An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Family Recipes

(Proverbs 29:17 KJV)  Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

Why do we have children?  In the thug community getting a woman pregnant is considered a mark of manhood.  It makes you macho.  In the business community it gives you someone to pass on your empire to.  For some people it is just a thing that happens.  Christians are urged by the Bible to have many children.  There are a number of reasons given starting in the beginning.
(Genesis 1:28 KJV)  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Here in Proverbs we are told that children can give us “comfort” (5117) and “delight” (4574).  If you have young children you might question that.  If you have those in the throes of puberty you have serious questions.  Two observations.

First, you are required to “correct” (3256).  Children do not come ready to serve.  Think of fixing a pot of beans from scratch.  You either soak them for hours or cook them for hours.  Maybe you do both.  Unless you do they will crack you teeth.  Children require preparation.  That is your job.  It is your job if you are a parent, like here.  It is your job if you are part of the family of God.

Second, the greatest rewards come when they grow up.  Sure you can be proud of a child that does something great in little league but that is transient.  It is something else when they grow up to live productive lives. 

So?  Be patient and follow the recipe.  The greatest joys may be down the road a ways. 

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