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Raising Kids in the Age of Foolishness

There are enough fools in the world!
There are enough fools in the world!

Raising Kids in the Age of Foolishness: Foundational Traits of the Wise #1

 

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) There are at least 16 verses which convey at least eight concepts that are associated with “fear of the Lord” in Proverbs. How do parents teach their children to fear the Lord? We might not like the word “fear” but it isn’t inappropriate to speak of fearing the Lord. You might prefer the word “reverence” since it coveys a sense of respect and awe. The Jews at the base of Mt. Sinai were “afraid” of the Lord but it did not lead to wisdom. As the mountain shook with thunder and lightning, they made an idol to worship. This shows that “fear of the Lord” does not mean being afraid of the Lord. It is true that God has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell. It is true that God is a consuming fire. It is true that God has the power to send us to either heaven or hell. But when balanced with His other traits like love and faithfulness, we get a much more accurate picture of what it means to fear the Lord.

 

For a child, the fear of the Lord begins with fearing their parents. If a child does not respect, or even honor, their father and mother, they likely will not fear the Lord either. Of course, if father and mother are unworthy of respect, it makes it more difficult for a child to learn to fear their Heavenly Father. To simplify, it is the parents’ job to train their children to not be disrespectful of authority. Respecting teachers, policemen, their elders, babysitters, and bosses are related to fearing the Lord.

 

The eight concepts associated with fearing the Lord include: gaining knowledge and wisdom, moral guidance, prolonged life and refuge, vitality of life, instruction, path of life, the rewards of humility, and consistency and constancy of living. Each of these is a lesson. A child is positioned by reverence to learn. A child is motivated by reverence to seek moral guidance. A child because of reverence seeks a prolonged life and the safety of God’s refuge. A child learns that reverencing God provides vitality and strength for living. A child who reverences God will submit to instruction. A child who reverences the Lord will learn to walk the path that leads to life. A child who fears the Lord will seek the rewards humility brings. A child who values the fear of the Lord will learn to be consistent and constant in following God’s teachings. Each outcome stems from the fear of the Lord. Instill this in your child. THERE ARE ENOUGH FOOLS IN THE WORLD.

 

 

 


 
 
 

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