A Dad’s Wisdom for His Children

So, what is it that you tell your children? What do I mean? In regards of what you desire for them in life, how to act towards others, how to work and how to be good, respectable, decent human beings this side of eternity.

Today I got to thinking about this again and thought, “I really should write a few of these down as I am always forgetting things.” Below is a few points that not only is for my children, but for me as well. I find I must preach to myself daily, even hourly, as I myself navigate these dark days. I find I must start, not by thinking how dark this age is, as “there is nothing new under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), but must fix my “eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

So here goes…

As you grow, put behind your childish ways. In this not at all meaning a childlike faith (Matthew 18:3), but childish ways of ignorance, unceasing games, gossip, and continuous self-gratifications. “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” (1st Corinthians 13:11)
Develop a work ethic as to the best of your ability. Regardless of what type of work, show up early, work diligently, speak little and listen much, and be willing to do the work that is often hidden and not in the spotlight. Know that ultimately you do not work for another person, but your work is ultimately for the Lord of glory Himself. “Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:22-25)
Consider others greater than yourself. Although this a tough one for us all, regardless, we must teach this to our children and strive to make this our own each and every day. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3, 4)
Listen, Listen, Listen. If the last principle was not difficult enough, add to it the increasing ability to listen, I mean really listen, with no assumptions being applied to what is said. Truly, not easy, but so very much needed. No reason we cannot be the change makers in a room of people. “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
Cultivate personal discipline and resolve. This is so rarely talked about today. We have become so self-centered and self-pleasing that many would never even consider such things, unless of course it is merely structured around their career aspirations or physical attainments, and then these are relatively few. Here I mean primarily spiritually regarding truth, however, also including mental focus and discernment and of course bodily fitness. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1st Corinthians 9:25-27)
Never stop asking questions and seeking true and full answers. I tell you, if we were ever in a time when we all need this ability, clearly it is now. I do not have to tell you what a truly insane time of technology we are living in as you probably experience this on a daily basis. However, it seems we seriously lacking in the ability to not only ask questions, but deeper and more foundation questions. However, asking questions is not enough. We must develop the ability to dig deep and long to find true, real and full answers to these questions. For me this all really started when the Lord graciously saved my very life. I had to know what had happened to me, was this real, how did this happen, and etc. Ever since, I have continued to ask deep and more foundation questions, not accepting the rhetoric of the day or simple answers, but seeking out the truth of the matter. This has had a profound effect on every area of my life, including the care of my health, my job, my home and my faith. “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31, 32) “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Gain wisdom. You know, self-help is a damning oxymoron. Why? I have heard it said like this… “If self could help self, self would help self; however, since self cannot help self, self does not help self.” This is the truth. When you are in need, and you failing, the last thing you need is more of you (I am not here alluding to resolve and perseverance). Thus, gain wisdom. “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. And with all your acquiring, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7, 8) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
Acquire the ability to apply knowledge. I have met many a loveless “theologians” and people with great learning yet seemed to have never applied their learnings to themselves. This type of “wisdom” is sickening and useless. So, learn to take that which you learn and apply it personally, introspectively, deeply, and obey. “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Luke 11:28)
Periodically examine yourself and change what is necessary. Examination of self, especially with help of friends with various ways to look at things, is extremely helpful, however, do not look to yourself too often. Be willing and diligent to make necessary changes in your habits, ways, and thinking if needed. “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.” – Robert Murray McCheyne “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (2nd Corinthians 13:5)
Choices have consequences; consequences have repercussions; repercussions may be eternally life altering. Your choices, yes YOUR CHOICES, do indeed have consequences. Therefore, listen much, act slowly (if able), learn and then choose. Some consequences result in life altering and terribly bad consequences. “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.‘” (1st Corinthains 15:33)
Grow in love and godliness. At the end of it all… “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1st Corinthians 13:13)
Know the One True God in authentic reality. Do not make mere professions of an unknown faith that only deceives. Know the truth in reality, not taking the roads of easy believeisms. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23) Learn from the “seven sons of Sceva” (Acts 19:11-20).
Take every thought captive. What a crucial task this is! Let not thoughts, any thoughts, linger in your mind that would steer you down dark roads and take your life captive. Instead, take the thoughts captive and crucify them. “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ...” (2nd Corinthians 10:5)
Guard your tongue. This is of absolute importance and personal discipline. Cultivate a habit of self-control in this area. I know personally what a battle this can be, but I am increasing my listening abilities and skillsets, to some degree this will be easier. The greater obstacle is that which lurks in the depths of the heart. “...but the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.” (Matthew 15:18-20)
Pray, work, pray. “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints...” (Ephesians 6:18) “…pray without ceasing.” (1st Thessalonians 5:17) “Here is the great secret of success. Work with all your might; but trust not in the least in your work. Pray with all your might for the blessing of God; but work, at the same time, with all diligence, with all patience, with all perseverance. Pray then, and work. Work and pray. And still again pray, and then work. And so on all the days of your life. The result will surely be, abundant blessing. Whether you see much fruit or little fruit, such kind of service will be blessed.” -George Müller

A Dad’s Wisdom for His Children

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