Parenting by the Book
STUDY 21
Text: Proverbs 22:4
18 November 2001
THE CONCEPT OF “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”
Dear Parents,
HOW TO LIVE IN A MATERIALISTIC WORLD
There is no denying the fact that we live in a materialistic world. There are two extremes that we want to avoid.
On the one hand, we must of course avoid being caught up with the philosophy of materialism in the world. In this philosophical outlook towards life, the acquisition of money is the prime if not the only goal in life.
On the other hand, we must avoid asceticism as the goal of life. The ascetic way of life is one where we disdain and reject all material comforts.
The Book of Proverbs teaches us an important truth about how we can live meaningfully in this materialistic world.
By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honour and life.Proverbs 22:4
THE BIBLICAL TEACHING OF “RICHES AND HONOUR”
It is important that we teach our children correct Biblical truths. Sometimes we are guilty of teaching wrongly.
Let us not tell our children that riches and honour are “nothing” because we do not possess them. That kind of wrong teaching would hurt our children deeply.
Let us teach them that riches and honour are a part of life. It is not wrong to desire to have riches and honour and life.
It is important that we teach our children that these are actually blessings the Lord bestows on those who have learned how to be humble before Him. Those who have learned true humility are also those who have learned how to fear the Lord.
TEACH OUR CHILDREN HOW TO PLEASE THE LORD FIRST
Truly God desires to bless His children. However, He desires that they display good qualities in their life. He wants His children to have humility in their hearts.
This is not a quality that is easy to cultivate. Nevertheless, parents are to be committed to instilling this quality in the hearts of their children. The quality of humility is lots easier to learn and to acquire when we learn how to fear the Lord. When a person stands in the Presence of God, there is nothing to boast of. We are reminded of what the Psalmist said in Psalm 8,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?Psalm 8:4
“Riches and honour and life” will be the lot of our children when God is pleased with them. Let us determine to teach our children how to fear the Lord.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie