Sunday, December 13, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 1:8-19, we learned about the importance of applying good instruction and order to our life. As Christians and even as non-Christians, one of our goals should be to stay away from evil doers. In Proverbs 1:8-9, Solomon advised the young man to listen to the instructions of his parents. If at all possible, we also should heed our parent's advice and words of wisdom. Godly parents should be followed and obeyed because their instructions will make us look good and put the Lord's blessings on our head. Because not all parents give good instructions, though, Solomon was only expressing a biblical ideal. Some parents do not know Christ as Savior. Others are abusive. Yet, according to him, even an ungodly parent should be respected and obeyed as best as possible. Even an evil-hearted, abusive parent should be obeyed as best as possible. We may not always be blessed by the specifics of our parent's instructions, but we will always be blessed by our faithful, obedient attitude before the Lord.
Solomon had a reason or an ulterior motive for advising the young man to obey his parent's teachings. First of all, as was stated above, he was assuming the biblical ideal of parents who serve the Lord and want to do right themselves. Obeying this kind of parent will consistently put us where we should be, doing the things we should be doing, and bringing honor and glory to our Savior and Lord. Secondly, Solomon knew that not everyone has our best interests at heart, and he knew that we need to be careful about those to whom we listen and follow. Sinners will try to entice us to do evil. They will want to bring us down and make us falter. But we need to resist. When they wave precious substances before us, including the allurement of riches, Solomon wrote that we must not be deceived. Sometimes, when we are walking with Christ as we should, we can, through the Holy Spirit, bring about change in the hearts and lives of others. But sometimes, we cannot no matter what we do. Therefore, in Proverbs 1:10-19, Solomon told the young man to stay away from evil people. He wrote that those who are greedy for gain would steal, kill, or do whatever to have what they want. So, his direction was very simple. Of such people, stay away!
Throughout the Book of Proverbs, Solomon warns us that we put ourselves at risk when we do not rejoice over what the Lord has given us. An important step to not falling into that trap is to daily study his writings. Studying Proverbs will help us understand God. Studying Proverbs will help us be just and fair towards others. Studying Proverbs will make the simple less simple. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." In this coming week, take a few moments to rejoice over the life that the Lord has given you. Try to be genuinely thankful for all that He has done and is doing for you. Then, as the Holy Spirit would lead, try to share with others what He means to you. Proverbs 11:30 says, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com