We continue with RiSiKiLi−
God’s
Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.
In my blog post last week we
continued to look at the value of learning God’s Word and allowing it to
illuminate our paths through life. The quote from Pastor Jack Hayford
reiterated the point.
Today, let’s look at words
of wisdom from Proverbs 3. As you read this passage take notice of how God’s
Word is lighting life’s path with right-living instructions. This is so rich
I’ve included a large portion of the chapter.
My
son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For
they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do
not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them
upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good
understanding in the eyes of God and man.
This is the best way to
anchor them in Truth and set them up to come into their own faith in Christ
that will not only get them into Heaven for eternity, but will get them onto the
path of God’s glorious plan−for his or
her own abundant life.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and
do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all
your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be
wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It
will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the
man who gets understanding. 14 For it is better than getting
silver and fine gold. 15 She is worth more than stones of great
worth. Nothing you can wish for compares with her. 16 Long life
is in her right hand. Riches and honor are in her left hand. 17 Her
ways are pleasing, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a
tree of life to those who take hold of her. Happy are all who hold her near.
21 My son, do not allow them to leave your
eyes. Keep perfect wisdom and careful thinking. 22 And they
will be life to your soul and a chain of beauty to your neck. 23 Then
you will be safe as you walk on your way, and your foot will not trip. 24 You
will not be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be
sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of fear that comes all at
once. And do not be afraid of the storm of the sinful when it comes. 26 For
the Lord will be your trust. He will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not keep good from those who should
have it, when it is in your power to do it.
30 Do not fight with a man for no reason,
when he has done you no wrong. 31 Do not be jealous of a man
who hurts others, and do not choose any of his ways (Proverbs 3:1-6; 5-6; 13-14; 21-27; 30-31 NLV).
Most of us would agree that
if followers of Jesus would read and heed these and other similar passages on a
regular basis, we’d live daily lives as better examples of Christ. Our value
systems would reflect Jesus’ values. We’d have a true Christian world view and
would actually behave different from non-believers.
This is talking about having
and using wisdom and understanding that comes from God. Wisdom is knowing truth and then using it appropriately in
given situations. Understanding is knowing truth
and having proper insight that enables one to use it wisely.
What a difference
it would make in the world if all, or at least most, believers would heed the words in Proverbs!
Imagine the benefits of
diligently teaching God’s principles to our children, starting at the earliest
possible age. Then consider the effects of living the life of faith and godly
integrity before them in every arena of life. I know a lot of parents who do
this and it’s gratifying to witness.
What a difference this would
make in households and the effects would flow like “rivers of living waters” out
into the marketplace. Teaching the Word, and the value of it, to children
should not be left to Sunday School or children’s church teachers alone.
Certainly though, the formal training of these institutions is of great benefit in
reinforcing and expanding the teachings of the home.
But day to day teaching
and the living before them, of the
parents especially, and also of grandparents, older siblings, extended family
and friends, is the way to get the Word and its practical application into the
hearts and minds of children.
This is the best way to
anchor them in Truth and set them up to come into their own faith in Christ
that will not only get them into Heaven for eternity, but will get them onto the
path of God’s glorious plan−for his or
her own abundant life.
Let's be pro-active in training up children in the Word of God and lets exemplify its illuminating power in our own lives.
©Connie
Wohlford 2016
"My son, do not forget my teaching." Powerful truths follow these words. If we would live them outside our homes and model them inside our homes, we would reflect Christ! Thank you for this great post, Connie!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Sherry. You are so right! I really appreciate your comment. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDelete