Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Samuel grew in the temple under Eli as a father figure. What we must be reminded was the fact that Samuel noticed the wickedness of Eli’s sons as they paverted the things of God. What makes Samuel stand out was the teaching he received and God’s preservation. In spite of many evil surroundings, Samuel still grew up blameless to discharge faithfully his duties.
The power of early habit, which plays so important part in the formation of character is likely to be on the side of godliness where godly influences operate in the upbringing. To condone or reward bad behavior, is to jeopardize your children’s future growth. The natural depravity of the heart is a grave fact. It is the first foe to be encountered in seeking a child’s salvation. Children like certain plants need staking. Staking a plant means driving upright stakes into the ground and fastening plants to them using plant ties. The stakes provide strength, guidance and support, and they permit plants to continue pushing skyward when they’d otherwise be overcome by rain, high winds, or the weight of their fruit or flowers.