1 Samuel 2:23-24 (NKJV)

“So he said to them, ‘Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress.’”

Words are good, but there are times when words are not enough. Words have their place, but corresponding actions must accompany our words. When we say things, we need to act upon them. Words without action are limp. Words with action carry weight. For example, when your people repeatedly break clear instructions, there should be consequences. When nothing is done in the face of blatant evil, it strengthens and reinforces darkness. Words are good and useful, but words need action to make them stick. People don’t take you seriously when you don’t enforce your words.

Eli was a good man, and he wanted God’s glory in the land. Eli’s weakness, however, was that he did not discipline his children. He taught them, coached them, and instructed them – but he did not enforce discipline when they erred. Because he did not train them with discipline, they grew up thinking that corruption had no real implications. But they were wrong, and Eli failed in this crucial area. Training must be with accompanying discipline. Training must include repercussions for breaking protocol. Strengthen your words through your actions. The world needs men and women who can stand by what they believe and teach the same to others. The world needs men and women who will enforce truth within their circle of influence. The world needs people of discipline who mentor others to live by God’s standards.