"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee."
Proverbs 3:1-2
Part 2
Yesterday:
“My son.”
This is Solomon speaking to his son. The implication is clear, parents we talk to and teach our children.
“Forget not my law.”
Children need to learn well what they are taught. If not, they will have to learn these lessons again as adults, in a world that is not sympathetic. That will not be easy!
Today:
“But let thine heart keep my commandments.”
There are generally two types of rules for a child growing up in a Christian home. There are the “LORD’S rules,” God’s law, and the Bible principles that we teach our child, which he/she will need to learn and keep in their hearts.
“…Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD” (Psalm 119:1).
“Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently” (Psalm 119:4).
And then there are the “house rules” that are necessary to establish order in the home. These rules are not meant to be “life rules.” Still, they are temporary rules that help teach character, prepare a child for life, and even help them establish their own household in the future.
Parents, please be careful what you tell your child about the “house rules.” Most parents have likely had a conversation with their child about keeping the “house rules.”
The child says, “I don’t like that, and I don’t want to do it!”
The parent says, “That’s alright, you don’t have to like it, but you have to do it.”
“I would never make my kid do that!” the child replies.
Parents, what you say next is crucial! Do not say, “That’s ok when you have your own home, you can do anything you want with your kids!” This is unscriptural! None of us can do “anything we want,” as a child of God.
It is better to say, “That’s ok when you have your own home, God will help you make the rules for your family.” You are teaching your child that he/she is always under God’s authority for life. Show your child that “God’s laws” and “His commandments” in the Bible are there to help us live for Him.
What did God promise to the Children of Israel if they obeyed and kept His commandments, laws, and statutes? Come back tomorrow and see how obedience makes a difference.
Quote: “All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13).