Parenting by the Book
STUDY 144
Text: Proverbs 15
28 March 2004
Dear Parents,
THE LINK BETWEEN THOUGHTS AND WORDS
There is a very close link between the words that come out of our children’s lips and the thoughts they entertain in their minds! Let us ponder this challenging text.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant.Proverbs 15:26
1. Are children capable of wicked thoughts?
The answer is “YES”! This may be hard to accept but nevertheless true. The influence of sin is such that no one is spared – not even children!
2. Are children capable of good and pure thoughts?
Happily, the answer is also “YES”! This thought should gladden the heart much. When children learn how to speak good and pure things, because their thoughts are not wicked, then their words are indeed pleasant.
3. How do children develop good thoughts and words?
The main source of instruction in the earlier years of life would be parents! The thoughts and speech of children often reflect the instruction and influence they have received from their parents.
4. What other factors influence and affect children?
There are many other factors. As children grow up, they will be exposed to other factors, some positive and some others very negative.
a) School
b) Common media like magazines, books
c) Friends
The list above is far from exhaustive. The fact is that there are many factors that we will not be able to control. These would influence our children in more ways than one!
THE CHALLENGE TO BE A POSTIVE INFLUENCE ON OUR CHILDREN
Let us not fail to influence our children in the right direction. Let us ask the Lord for His blessing on the work we do as parents. Much is at stake. We dare not spare any effort when it comes to the matter of bringing up our children well. Let us pray that our efforts would bear good fruit when they grow up one day and speak words that reflect the purity of their hearts and minds. How pleasant those words would be!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie