In the previous post we established (hopefully) how priceless it is to be able to gift our children (or wards or disciples) with the fear of God. I also clarified that we don’t merely seek the wisdom coupled with fearing God simply as a means to garner our hearts desires. The “everything else” that is added when we truly seek God is just that- everything else. It is bonus, surplus, extra! It is NOT the main thing. But how often are we quick to make these provisions and blessings the main thing to the point where they end up becoming a snare that draws us away from the Blesser Himself!
In the previous post I concluded on the note that the fear of the Lord is life-giving. Of all the advantages that wisdom boasts, I’m of the persuasion that this is the most significant of them all. Not only does fearing God yield wisdom that prolongs our mortal lives, but more importantly it has eternal repercussions that no earthly blessing can stand up to. As the writer of Proverbs says in chapter 11:4, “Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath, but righteousness rescues from death.”
So there are far more serious implications to this topic of fearing God than what has been discussed so far. And in the subsequent posts in these series, we will explore that more.
In today’s post however, I want to discuss the importance of having this gift for our own selves before even endeavoring to pass it on.
A Gift Worth Possessing
Many Christians want to have children that are solid disciples, who will emulate Christ in all their ways, shining as bright lights in a dark world. Even those who do not identify as Christians will admit that they have a desire to have children that are blessed and are a blessing to society, albeit they might express that using different language. In essence, we want to raise our children to be God-fearing.
Here’s the thing though! We can’t really give what we don’t have. And I mean that just as literally as I do figuratively. Now permit me to ask you yet another very important question. (The alternate title to these series apparently should be the questions game). If your child(ren) (biological, spiritual, disciple or otherwise) only had you for an example, if they were to emulate only you for the duration of their childhood, will they end up living like Jesus?
In 1st Corinthians 11:1, Paul makes a very bold statement. He says, “imitate me as I imitate Christ.” Friend, could you dare utter a such a weighty statement? If your children imitated you, would they inevitably be imitating Christ? (And yes, even more questions for your question basket!)
What a sobering reflection!
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
Have you ever heard of the expression, “more is caught than is taught?” Children are naturally expert imitators, as I’m sure you can easily testify if you have children or have been around kids long enough. In fact it’s their preferred way of learning. Child development experts will tell you that imitation is an essential aspect of how children develop skills. Monkey see, monkey do might typically have a negative connotation but the affirmative really is just as true.
So many Christians are guilty of wanting our children to give to God what we ourselves aren’t willing to give to Him. In the words of Voddie Baucham, “if you can’t say Amen, you oughtta say Ouch!” In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, God gives a set of instructions from which we can deduce that it is important to Him that we prioritize teaching our children to love and live for Him wholeheartedly. But guess how He starts off? By requiring that we ourselves will first “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”(Deut. 6:5).
It’s not just about saying all the right things to our children, or taking them with you to church meetings and hoping/ praying they turn out just fine. There is an actual practical implication that we need to take seriously because God does! As I always say, the heart of discipleship is exactly this principle- imitate me as I imitate Christ. So you want your child(ren) to fear God and be full of holy wisdom? Well, are you God-fearing?
Who is the Real Lord?
How can we pass on to our children the gift of fearing God, when we call Him Lord with our lips while we remain enthroned on the seats of our lives? (Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:6; Matthew 15:8; Matthew 25:10-13)
Is He Lord or are you Lord? In the next post, we’ll explore more how to make sure that we’ve got what it takes to give our children the gift of the fear of the Lord.
“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say? I will show you what someone is like who comes to Me, hears My words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn’t shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great! ”
Luke 6:46-49
In His light and love,
Ivy
