12 Eli’s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:12

11 And the Lord said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle. 12 At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family—from beginning to end. 13 For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. 14 Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”  1 Samuel 3:11-14 

During the days of Eli, the Word of the Lord was rare. Even though there were few visions from God, the man who served as the Priest knew how to carry out the given tasks faithfully. Despite knowing what to do, Eli's sons blatantly disregarded God. The real tragedy of this story is that Eli didn't act. As their father and the man who served as the spiritual leader of God's people, God held him accountable for his lack of response to a situation that demanded it.

It is far more common to judge a man based on his actions. This story is an illustration that failure to act can also have a significant consequence. James says it this way, "Remember, it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." Had Eli mustered the courage to do what he knew was right, the outcome would have been much different. Replacing cowardice with courage prevents inaction. In the face of challenge, get in the game. Remind yourself that God looks for men who will do according to what is in His heart and mind.

DO THIS TODAY: Ask God for an opportunity to obey Him courageously.