Parenting by the Book
STUDY 22
Text: Proverbs 23:17
25 November 2001
THE CONCEPT OF “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”
Dear Parents,
PRACTISING THE FEAR OF THE LORD AS OUR WAY OF LIFE
What should we be focusing on in our endeavours to bring up our children? Let us be challenged by this thought. We should be teaching our children the fear of the Lord, as our way of life!
Let us not just focus on imparting knowledge. Let us do more than just cater to their needs. What is their way of life right now? What should be their way of life? For that matter, we must ask ourselves a pertinent question. What is our way of life?
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HALLMARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE?
Some children are very active. Others are pretty laid back. What should we look for when we speak about teaching our children the Christian way of life?
Let us consider this text from the Book of Proverbs.
Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.Proverbs 23:17
The problem of “envy” is a very human problem. The human heart can even end up being envious of sinful people, especially if these people are successful and wealthy. What do our children desire in their life? What do they want out of life?
The challenge is to see our children marked by a sense of “zeal”. Another word that we could use to describe “zeal” could be “energy”. Are our children full of energy? Are our children marked by a tremendous sense of zeal?
ZEAL FOR THE LORD
The Lord Jesus Christ exemplified the idea of being zealous for His Father. From a very young age, he was zealous in learning more about the Scriptures. His parents found him on one occasion, discussing the Scriptures actively with the teachers of the law (Luke 2:41-50).
The Apostle John recorded how Jesus was zealous for His Father’s House. He cleansed the Temple because of His zeal (John 2:17).
THE FEAR OF THE LORD CAN CREATE A SENSE OF ZEAL IN OUR CHILDREN’S HEARTS
What can create a sense of zeal in the hearts of our children? Many parents complain that their children are just not motivated enough. They have to be pushed, and hard! Pray and work at helping them to “fear the Lord.” The Lord Himself will create this sense of zeal in their lives.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie