I love the verse that says, “In the world you will have an easy time.”
No wait! In John 16:33 Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” And in Acts 14:22 it says “reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” I don’t like the word “many”….
The role of a father includes imparting Godly wisdom to their children, disciplining and preparing them to live the Christian life. We all need wisdom, and God promises to give it to us, if we ask.
Our earthly father is to represent our Heavenly Father. God instructs us in wisdom by His Word (the Bible). When we are disobedient, God corrects and disciplines us, in a loving effort to get us back on track. He is trying to get our hearts to a point where we will accept His will, and not do evil.
God allows bad things to happen to us, so that we can grow, learn, mature and stay in a close relationship with Him. And sometimes He allows them to happen for His greater good, and to fulfill His plan. As we continue to disobey, God makes it more difficult for us. This is just like a loving and good parent would, as a motivation for us to do what is right.
Fathers should be directing their children in the way they should go, and leading them as an example of what it looks like to live the Christian life. Our children will one day be older and may become a parent, so they need to know how to be a Godly parent. You can’t just tell them how; you need to show them daily.
Knowing that we are not perfect, when we mess up, we should apologize to our children and admit our mistakes. That way our children will see that we are not a perfect reflection of our Heavenly Father, because God doesn’t make mistakes and He never messes up. God is the only one that never has to say He is sorry.
There is no greater pain to a Christian parent, then when their child is not following the Lord. There will be times in life when our children are not following God’s will. We need to remain strong, faithful and continue to provide Godly wisdom to our children. We also need to continue to lift them up to God in prayer, as He is the one that can convict and change them.
When our children are young, we must teach our children that living the Christian life will be difficult. We will be the minority, and most people will not follow God’s plan. Most will make fun of us, pick on us, and even hurt us. We must be in the world, but not of the world. Which means we can have friends who are not Christians, but we shouldn’t let them influence or lead us. We should be influencing and leading them. We are to be salt and light. We are to make a difference. We are to be followers of Christ, and doers of His Word.
You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT
Proverbs chapter 4 was written by Solomon, who was imparting Godly wisdom to his son. Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God gave it to him. So Solomon was probably the wisest man that ever lived.
We should review this passage with our children, and remind them of these truths often. They should strive to have Godly wisdom. They should be leaders for God, and not followers of the world. Each time your child follows someone down a wrong path, you can remind them of these truths.
My Child , listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths,. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving. For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble. They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!
The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Proverbs 4:10-27 NLT
