"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness." (John 12:46)
Jesus came as a light into this dark world. Perhaps we've been dwelling in darkness of understanding, darkness of negative thinking, of bad habits. But He doesn't want us to stay there. Jesus Himself wants to be a light in our lives. He wants us to have knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of who He is and how to live in this earthly life. If this is what He wants, shouldn't we embrace it? Don't we want our children to embrace Jesus' light too?
I want to embrace it, and here's a way how. There is a book in the Bible that I often refer to in order to gain wisdom and light. Proverbs. Much of what is written was to educate and inform young people of the importance of seeking wisdom. This is what I desire for my children. In my homeschooling journey, imparting wisdom and discernment is at the top of my priority list. As I meditated on Proverbs 1 this morning, here are some insights that came to mind.
Know the Core
In this first section what stood out was how much Solomon places emphasis on valuing wisdom and it begins with fearing God. That is the core. Fearing God. He contrasts the foolish and the wise in how they respond to counsel. The wise love wisdom and instruction. Whereas, the fool despises wisdom and instruction which results in them being "easily deceived and spiritually flawed." The wise man will hear and increase in learning. They will attain wise counsel (v5). They will understand that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God refers to when a believer possesses "awe and admiration that is expressed in obedience." (Harper Collins Study Bible). I want my children to possess this.
Lord, cause my children to love wisdom instruction. Cause them to daily experience awe and admiration of you that is expressed in obedience. Build this core in them. I trust that as they seek you, all other things and knowledge will be added to them.
Find the Right Tribe
This portion of scripture highlights the importance of not following the crowd. As our children grow, who they choose to spend time with will become of great importance. The people they hang out with can influence them for good or for bad. Part of being wise is to pay attention to and find good friends who will lead and encourage them in the right way.
Lord, impart wisdom and discernment of knowing who the right friends are. I pray they do not follow bad influences. I pray that you will will send them friends who will encourage them in the right way. I pray that they themselves would be good influences to others. Like a magnet attracts metal, may they attract people that are good. May they discern what is right and wrong.
Wisdom is Available
The last thing I see in the passage is that wisdom is available. and the consequences of not following instruction can be detrimental. Wisdom calls out, if we pay attention, it is there. If we listen to our elders, it is there. If we don't abide by rebuke and counsel, wisdom will seem to be fleeting and no longer available. We must develop the habit of listening to what is right and valuing instruction. If we choose to despise counsel, it will be hard to come by because we would have lost the opportunity to develop the habit.
Dear Lord, I pray that my children would listen to advice when it comes. Cause them to love counsel and instruction. I pray that the consequences for not listening would lead them back to taking heed to advice. Lord, overwhelm with a strong desire to know and to be curious of what is right, good, holy, and wholesome. Like a sponge, I pray they would absorb all the good things that you want to impart to them.
Some questions to think about are, As a parent, how am I teaching my children to fear God? What ways do I encourage good friendships and the skill of discernment in choosing friends? Am I teaching my children that they have the power to seek out and receive wisdom for themselves?
May God's great blessings be upon you as you meditate on what it means to have your child Know the Core, find the right tribe, and take advantage of the wisdom available to them. If you have been blessed, please share with someone that they may find inspiration and hope as well.
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