Go ahead, be a wise guy…..
In my post from March 4th, “What’s Your Target”, I introduced the idea of five master life threads from the life of Joseph that should guide us in ministry, and in parenting. The five critical master life threads found in Larry Fowler’s book, Raising a Modern Day Joseph, are
In my post from March 4th, “What’s Your Target”, I introduced the idea of five master life threads from the life of Joseph that should guide us in ministry, and in parenting. The five critical master life threads found in Larry Fowler’s book, Raising a Modern Day Joseph, are
respect, wisdom, grace, destiny, and perspective. (The post “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me…” introduced the first master life thread.) Over the next few months I’ll be commenting on each of these. This post deals with the second life thread, wisdom.
Joseph feared (respected) God. His respect for God caused him to resist the temptation of Potipher’s wife. Joseph knew that if he sinned, it would be against God, not just Potipher or his wife. When one adds knowledge of God to respect for God, it produces wisdom. Behavior that correctly reflects God’s character is wisdom in action. Isn’t this what we all want for our kids?
All of us are concerned about the overabundance of kids, teens, and adults who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. There are two categories of failure. Some have lots of Bible knowledge, but it isn’t reflected in their actions. Others believe in God, profess faith, but don’t know enough about Him to obey Him. Both have left out one of the master life threads.
The believer, who is doesn’t know much about God or His word, may know God, have a saving faith, and have respect for Him. However, without knowledge of God’s word, he isn’t able to intentionally choose to live for God, because he doesn’t know what that means. Wisdom is elusive without knowledge. This person lacks the life thread of wisdom.
The believer who has knowledge, but not godly behavior, probably does not fear (respect) God. There comes a point in each of our lives that we must ask “who is the boss?” Rebelling against God demonstrates a low view of His character, and a lack of respect for who He is and what He has done for us. The child with all the right answers and all the wrong behaviors lacks the life thread of respect.
Larry sums it up this way. “Fearing (respecting) God, we are told in Proverbs again and again, is the beginning of wisdom. I suggest, just like the writer of Proverbs, that it is a critical starting point. First teach them to respect God’s authority. They will then accept His truth, and that leads to wisdom.
Master Life Thread 2 – Teach Your Children to Seek Wisdom.
1. Teach your kids to know wisdom is based upon God’s Truth.
2. Build into your children biblical foundations for wisdom.
3. Teach them to have confidence in relying on God’s wisdom. Of course, this means that they come to know His wisdom, His word.” (Fowler: Raising a Modern Day Joseph, pg. 57)
Proverbs 1:7 – Fearing the LORD is the beginning of moral knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
