I got to thinking about my childhood. The things we did, the fun we had. Things kids don’t get to do today.
We played hide-n-seek in the street after dark. Dad didn’t call my cell, he just whistled and I knew to check-in. I played outside with friends, not online. If I didn’t eat what mom made, I didn’t eat. Hand sanitizer didn’t exist, but I got my mouth washed out with soap a few times for lying. Mom had a paddle and knew how to use it. It was ok for the other neighborhood mothers to scold me if you did something wrong.
I drank water out of a hose, rode in the back seat without a car seat or seat belt. Went hunting when I was 10, walked two miles from my house to the swimming pool with my sister in the summer time.
I lived by the rules of our home, had chores that needed to be done, learned to be honest and most of all, I was taught to respect adults – those in authority.
Why this walk down memory lane this morning?
It came from reading in the book of Proverbs.
“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your riches, and with the first of all you grow. 10 Then your store-houses will be filled with many good things and your barrels will flow over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:1-10 NLV
“O sons, hear the teaching of a father. Listen so you may get understanding. 2 For I give you good teaching. Do not turn away from it. 3 When I was a much loved and only son of my mother and father, 4 he taught me, saying, “Hold my words close to your heart. Keep my teachings and live. 5 Get wisdom and understanding. Do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.” Proverbs 4:1-5 NLV
We owe it to our children and grandchildren to teach them respect. Part of their learning will come from our words and part of it will come from the way we live our lives.
We have a commission from the Lord to speak to their hearts, giving them instruction in wisdom and teaching them God’s word. More important that the exterior precautions we take for their safety is the way we teach them to guard their hearts.
“ Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLV
Drink from the hose, it’s fun. But also take time to drink from the living water of God’s word!