Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
5 2 2025
“The Ripple Effect of Leadership: What You Tolerate, They Will Embrace”
“What you do in moderation, your kids will do in excess.”
Over a year ago, Pastor Mike Moore delivered a hard but powerful word to our Courageous men’s group that has stayed with me. I’d like to break down what I personally took from that message.
In 1 Samuel 2, we read about Eli—the next-to-last judge of Israel. He was not only a judge but also the high priest, uniquely positioned to influence the entire nation to follow God. While Eli may have been personally upright, he failed in his leadership—first as a father, then as a judge.
His story warns us as spiritual leaders of our homes. The chapter lays out what God expects from us and our families. Eli’s sons served in the temple, yet Scripture says they “did not know the Lord.”
How many people today are sitting in churches, appearing to lead their families, yet do not truly know or serve the Lord? They may not be living in blatant sin—no adultery, no porn, no explosive anger—but they live primarily to please themselves. They are conformed to the world, not transformed by the Spirit.
And the subtle things they allow in moderation?
Their children often embrace in excess.
After a long day, many men come home utterly spent. They zone out in front of the TV or escape into gaming. And at first glance, who could blame them? They’ve earned some downtime. But let’s zoom out. What does that pattern look like over weeks, months, and years?
Eli’s sons disrespected both their father and God. Though Eli confronted them, he failed to follow through. There was no accountability. No change. And ultimately, Eli honored his sons above God.
I know families where the children call the shots. Life revolves around sports, school, and travel. There’s no time left for church, Bible study, or Christian fellowship. Supporting our kids is good—but not at the cost of our spiritual foundation. When weekends are constantly on the road, with no room for God or community, it’s a slow drift into disaster.
Eli was a man of God, but he was not a godly leader. Many Christian households today suffer from that same imbalance. We’re too busy, too tired, or too distracted to raise our kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord. So we outsource their moral and spiritual development—to schools, to Sunday school, to anyone but ourselves.
Even in homes where church attendance is consistent, we may fail to demonstrate an authentic relationship with Jesus. And make no mistake: simply going to church is not enough. We are called to live lives that lead by example. Can others look to you and see peace, wisdom, and stability in the storms of life?
Is it Godly wisdom they see—or just experience-based advice? There is a difference.
God warned Eli. He rebuked him for honoring his sons above Him. In 1 Samuel 2:29, God says:
“Why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?”
This warning is not just about temple service. It applies to how we lead our homes, love our spouses, and represent Christ in the workplace. We fatten ourselves on comfort, convenience, and what we think we’ve earned—while neglecting our responsibility to lead spiritually.
Many men work 50, 60, even 70 hours a week. They return home drained and absent. Spouses, schools, and churches are left to pick up the spiritual slack. We’ve surrendered our God-given role as the spiritual head of our families.
Yes, there are seasons where we must work hard. But we must ask: Do we trust God enough to set healthy boundaries—to believe He can provide a job that doesn’t consume our entire identity and energy? Do we have the faith to believe He is bigger than our bills and busyness?
Even if your children are grown or in college, your responsibility isn’t over. You are still their influence. God still holds you accountable for being a light in their lives—and in your broader circle of influence.
Eli’s legacy is sobering, but God raised up Samuel—Eli’s protégé—as a faithful priest. Samuel was the young prophet who delivered God’s judgment on Eli and his sons. Through Samuel, God reminds us that His messages, though rooted in love, are often firm and demanding.
The book of Samuel teaches us:
- Purity
- Trust
- Dependence on God
- Self-sacrifice
- Faith
- Obedience
- Thankfulness
We are temples of the Holy Spirit. Let’s be intentional in our growth. Faith comes by hearing—and doing the Word of God.
What we do in moderation, others—our children, coworkers, friends—will do in excess. I want my life to inspire them to offer more to God, not less. May what I bring to the altar push them to go even further
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Phil Driscoll, You lift me up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WSeY4P7W40
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