Parenting by the Book
STUDY 195
Text: Proverbs 18
20 March 2005
Dear Parents,
THE HUMAN SPIRIT
It is easy to focus on many visible and physical aspects of our children, and quite neglect the invisible and intangible part – their spirit. How important it is to bear in mind that we do have a spirit and that it must be nurtured carefully.
The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?Proverbs 18:14
Let us do a quick recall of what we have read recently about the spirit of a person.
… he who rules his own spirit (is better) than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32
… a broken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 17:22
… a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
Proverbs 17:27
We do have a definite teaching in the Scriptures about the human spirit. It is of course related to the human body, but it is distinct from it!
There will be times when we become ill. How do we best cope with illness, especially when it is severe? We are challenged to consider an important truth, that “the spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness” (Proverbs 18:14).
When a person has a strong and well-developed spirit, he will cope lots better when illness strikes! On the other hand, if the human spirit is “broken” even if there isn’t any serious illness to contend with, the individual will be adversely affected. Who indeed “can bear a broken spirit”?
HOW DO WE TRAIN OUR HUMAN SPIRIT?
1. A powerful entity that must be “ruled”
The human spirit is powerful. However, its power needs to be bridled. If it is not controlled properly it can be quite unruly. Thus there is special blessing to the one who has learned to control his spirit (Proverbs 16:32).
2. A calm spirit
How wonderful it would be if our children could cultivate a spirit that is cool and calm (Proverbs 17:27). He has to cultivate understanding and wisdom if he is to see his spirit becoming calm and collected.
3. Ultimately – training!
Let us devote time to the training of the spirit of our children. May God grant wisdom and perseverance.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie