WISDOM FOR PARENTS -- EXAMPLES TO AVOID
Introduction:
1. James 1:5 -- "If any of you lack wisdom, let......"
2. Each one ought to desire wisdom: "being wise, the ability to
judge soundly, discernment, judgment" (Webster)
3. To the conscientious parent, this desire for wisdom should
certainly be desired; but one must search for wisdom.
4. God's Word is the proper source of all true wisdom.
5. Ps. 119:130 -- "The opening of thy words giveth light, it
giveth understanding to the simple."
6. There are numerous examples that are helpful to parents.
(1) Often a bad example may be as valuable as a good example.
(2) It is sometimes difficult to put one's finger on just
which good quality leads a child to be good, but....
(3) In many failures recorded, it is easy to see why the
mistakes were made.
(4) Let us not some examples that parents gave their children:
EXAMPLES TO AVOID.
I. NOAH'S DRUNKENNESS was the immediate cause of Ham's disgrace.
1. Gen. 9:20-24 -- Though Ham doubtless possessed the weakness
of character, Noah played his part in this sin.
2. Successful parenthood requires respect: but no father whose
children have seen him drunk can have fullest respect.
3. Habit of drink gives a lie to a Christians's claim.
4. Social drinking is extremely dangerous because it stamps
approval upon alcohol. Also, an occasional bottle of beer
stamps its approval upon alcohol.
5. Child is apt to follow example rather than words. Child is
not able to separate a bottle of beer from drunkenness.
6. Child will be more apt to follow bad example than a good
example.
7. ALSO, far too often, habit of drinking leads father to take
for his own pleasure what is needed to sustain family.
8. Perhaps no habit disqualifies a man as a father than the
habit of strong drink.
II. LOT'S MATERIALISM was the ruin of his family.
1. Abraham offered Lot the choice of a place to live.
2. Lot sold the souls of his family for lush green grass of
the valley.
3. Lot did not forsee this danger, as few of us foresee.
4. No man sees danger (anything spiritual) when he gets the
dollar-mark in his eyes.
5. Lot probably thought, "I will provide a better living for
my wife and my family, the children." GOOD PROVIDER.
6. But, their spiritual needs and the wicked environment of
Sodom did not cross his mind.
7. In our materialistic age, parents are often judged by the
material provisions they make for their family.
8. Very often we hear Christians boast of success, raising
family, college education, good incomes, knowing all the
time that not of their children has the slightest interest
in Jesus Christ and His Church.
9. Can we not see that such children have failed to receive
that which is most important?
10. It would be better to see children grow up ill-clothed,
ill-housed, etc., but, with a faith that will carry them
through life.
III. JACOB'S PARTIALITY was a hindrance to his household. Gen.27:3,4
1. Jacob should have known this: His mother's partiality had
been a source of strife in his father's house.
2. Jacob brought upon Joseph: envy, malice, hatred of brothers
3. Eventually they sold him into slavery.
4. Every child has a right to an equal share of the affections
of each parent.
5. Wise parents will drive this tendency away.
IV. DAVID'S HUMORING Adonijah was a downfall of the youth.
1. 1 Kings 1:6-- "his father had not displeased him at any
time in saying, Why hast thou done this?"
2. The boy had never been crossed, had his own way.
3. So, when Adonijah wanted the throne and was denied it, he
lacked the discipline to accept the reverse.
4. His determination to have the throne led to his own death.
5. Very few can always have our own way in life.
6. Phil. 4:12-- with Paul, we need to learn, "to be full, and
to be hungry, both to abound....."
7. In early life, child needs to learn this vital lesson.
8. Highway of life is covered with obstacles, difficulties.
9. Father who humors child is preparing his or her for a fall.
V. ELI'S TOLERATION of his wicked sons was the curse of Israel.
1. Priest, but their conduct was unbecoming of that office.
2. 1 Sam. 2:22-25 -- Eli spoke to them about wickedness.
3. "They harkened not" -- and Eli made no further move.
4. 2 Sam. 2:29 -- Eli "honorest thy sons above me."
5. 1 Sam. 3:13 -- "he restrained them not."
6. There comes a time when words are not enough, action.
7. Prov. 13:24 -- "Spareth his rod hateth his son..."
VI. JEHORAM'S MARRIAGE foredoomed his son.
1. King Jehoram of Judah was the seed of David, should have
been influenced in training son to succeed David as King.
2. But, Jehoram married Athaliam, daughter of Ahab and
Jezebel.
3. Ahazia, Jehoram's son, came to throne, he "walked not in
the way of David, but in the ways of the house of Ahab..."
2 Chron. 22:3,4.
4. Foolish indeed is the person who thinks only of self in
marriage.
5. The young lady will be the mother of his children; her
parents the grandparents, much influence over them.
6. Fore-thought here will solve many problems before they
arise.
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