Pondering Parental Principles - Part Two
“but let thine heart keep my commandments.” Proverbs 3:1b (KJV, emphasis added)
In last week’s blog, I shared that my wife Gloria and I wanted our sons to pay attention to God’s Voice; specifically His law or Word and always remember how they were raised. It reminds me of the encouragement Paul gave to his spiritual son, Timothy.
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (KJV)
As parents, Gloria and I purposed to promote the truth of God’s words in our children’s lives. However, they had to personally practice it. But you can’t practice what you do not possess and prioritize in your heart.
When my oldest was in kindergarten, Gloria and I witnessed him practicing the Word that was in his heart. We were experiencing a customary upstate New York winter. Remember the old Bo Jackson commercials where “Bo Know” everything? Well, if you ever lived in upstate New York, you know snow! I apologize for the detour but stay with me - I am going in a direction for spiritual reflection.
Gloria sent the boys out to play in the snow which was significally deep. The snow was piled at least four feet high due to the snow blowers and snow ploughs. Included in our three sons was a wanderer who continually required that our eyeballs be exercised on him.
After about ten minutes my wife noticed our two older sons running in circles and crying out for my youngest one (Seth) who happened to be three years old at the time. Naturally, my wife was alarmed and also began the hunt for our lost little one! After about what seemed like eternity (about five minutes) Seth surfaced from the snow! After Mama’s heart slowed to its normal pace she was able to have a conversation to capture what happened. My oldest said “Mommy I was not afraid because I asked Jesus to help me find my brother.” And He did!
Sometimes a little child will lead. My eldest son had believed what was hidden and kept in his heart and it delivered him from fear. Consider what scripture has to say about prioritizing God’s Word in your heart:
“The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” Psalms 37:31 (KJV)
“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:8 (KJV)
“Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.” Job 22:22 (KJV)
When you treasure the Truth in your heart, you will also be treasuring the Lord, your life and the lives of others.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR