Bible Thoughts

April 25, 1999

Behavior is determined by teaching and example. The child that is properly taught by word and by example is far more likely to remain faithful to truth than one that is not.

Children who are guided by godly parents, who put the Lord first in their lives, will be blessed in their youth and as they grow older. Their behavior in the future will tend to reflect the righteous attention provided to them while they were younger.

Our present generation needs this lesson. Sure, there are many excellent children to be found among those of the present. They respect their elders, they respect God, they respect their own minds and bodies, they conduct themselves wisely, and they remember what they were taught by godly parents. We are continually thankful for these young people(you can see them at our assembly). However, the majority of the children of today do not have the kind of example and teaching that young people so badly need.

David wanted the children to listen to his experience and knowledge. He desired their attention as he shared with them what life would bring and what God could do to help them face that life. One must first get the attention of a young person before it is possible to instruct. Each parent should so conduct themselves that offspring will give their attention when taught. One preacher would pause in his sermon and say, "Are you listening?" Do our children listen? Do we have their attention? And...do we listen to our children?

All guidance and instruction must be based on principles of truth and righteousness. David said, "I will teach you the fear of the Lord." With this approach, one can build a reverence for Jehovah and His word. We teach our children how to walk, how to speak, how to dress, how to drive a vehicle, how to make money, and a myriad of "hows" that we deem necessary for life. How many teach the "fear of the Lord?"

In all of these matters, parental influence must be strong in the life of a child. The example set by parents, in word, in conduct, in values, yea--in all areas, must be strong enough to overcome the influences of the world. Young people tend to idolize others. Often, in our day, those idols are popular entertainers of the day. Look at the dress, the hairstyles, the makeup, the jewelry(and where it is worn) and compare the look(and the behaviors) of so many young folks with the latest musical group or actor or other "hero" of the masses. The worldly minded of this world do exercise a strong influence on our young people. Such influences must be overcome by righteous parents.

While eating breakfast in a fast food place, several young people were observed on the parking lot. They were on their way to school. Their dress and appearance did reflect the latest "idols" of the day. They were probably seeking their identity(and losing it by imitating worldly models). While their dress and appearance may not appeal to the "older" of us(some were not exactly "modest"), what they were doing was shameful. They were passing around a cigarette and each one taking puffs off of it. Not only was it unhealthful, it was illegal(they were underage). While it is a repulsive and unhealthy habit, it was really sad to see them trying to imitate some adults(maybe their parents).

The parents of many young people have labored to provide them with a "better" physical status than the parents had as children, but have paid a price in doing so. Would it not be better to have a little less of this world's good in order to spend time with children? Would it not be better to provide them with more instruction on how to live a proper life than sitting them in front of a television for guidance or sending them to a movie to learn the ways of the world? Righteous efforts take more time--time with offspring--and often interfere with the parents own ambitions. One is made to wonder about the parents who seem not to care how one's child behaves, who are the child's companions, where they go, and what they are doing.

David, the author of Psalm 34, was an excellent example for young people. There are many words that could describe this man of God. Among those are dedicated, devout, respectful, loving, caring, romantic, courageous, realistic, energetic, and enthusiastic. From the respect he had for God to the respect he had for his father, as well as the concern for his brethren, David was the beloved shepherd boy.

David was one who recognized his own humanity. When he sinned, he pleaded to God for forgiveness. When a penalty was paid for his transgressions, he blessed the Lord. Whatever his flesh led him to do, his spirit corrected because of his devotion to the one who made him. There were probably few like him in his days. One fears that there are only a few like him in our age.

David had talents. He used those talents in facing Goliath, in playing the harp in praising God and in guiding the people of God as their king. This shepherd boy learned his lessons well and lived the lessons he learned. May the young people of our day seek to imitate his example, follow his advice and prepare for the future. "Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord"(Rotherham Paraphrase of Psalm 34:11).