Proverbs 22 - 9.1.26
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
OBSERVATION: Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote the Book of Proverbs under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which gives us practical insight and guidelines for life. Young people mattered very much to Solomon, and his special instructions to them are found in Proverbs 1:1-9,18.
The word “youth” is used in the Old Testament to apply to children from pre-birth through the first 20 years of life. “The way he should go” relates to the way God has created every normal human being. “Even Jesus in His human nature progressed through these natural phases. Jesus, as a young boy increased in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically), and in favor with God (spiritually), and with people (socially)”. (Quoted from Gene Getz Life Essential Study Bible).
APPLICATION: “When parents ignore this growth process, they can create frustration, anxiety, discouragement, insecurity, and even anger, which can lead to rebellion. When this kind of resentment becomes persistent, children often make decisions to reject and “depart from” the will of God”.
As a parent of 2 grown sons now, I can look back and remember crying out to God countless times, especially in their teens, because of the mistakes I made misunderstanding their growth process, which in turn created negative reactions on their part. We once went to a family seminar and I heard something I will never forget from the speaker, “Rules without relationship lead to rebellion”. Well… I was what you would call a drill sergeant kind of mom, and was very strict with our 2 boys; a “mother hen”, and rules were VERY important, and THEY WERE ENFORCED! I was also known to raise my voice LOUDLY! This mother made ALOT of mistakes while trying to learn and understand the unique way God created our 2 boys, and how to nurture them accordingly. Even though I was young, immature and insecure when I became a mother, God showed up when I needed Him most, and lovingly forgave me, taught me how to correct my ways, and gave me a brand new start! God has used His Word to teach and train me to be a better mother to our sons, and to their children, and to their children. (Yes, we are now GREAT grand-parents!)
PRAYER: Thank You Lord for my children and for our grand-children. I pray You will help me to be a model of faith, hope, and love to them all. Thank You that You have heard my prayers, and that they will all come to know You and serve You well. May our entire family be part of the Church - the family of God, who walk worthy of You, and who have been called into Your kingdom and glory. Amen
- Robin Orefice
