Proverbs 14:26-27 This proverb tells us that the fear of the Lord will give us strong confidence, and our children will have safety because they have a place of refuge. One of the major problems in America is that our children are not being taught to fear the Lord. I just recently taught an eight-week study on the fear of the Lord, and we learned that the fear of the Lord is not caught; it is taught. Parental instruction in the Word of God seems to be waning, and we are reaping the consequences. We see the shootings in the high schools in America, and recently there was even one in the first grade. We learn in this proverb that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life and keeps us from the snare of death.
Teaching our children to fear the Lord is a vital part of their training. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 exhorts Israel to teach the commandments, the statues and the judgments of the Lord to the generations to come. The promises in Deuteronomy 7:2-3 given to those who obey the commandments are that they will increase mightily and things will go well with them; their days will be prolonged. Most children who were raised in church cannot quote the Ten Commandments. Is this the fault of the church? No, it is the fault of parents. They are instructed by God to teach the commandments to their children when they are walking and sitting and in every activity.
The question to ask yourself is, “Can I recite the Ten Commandments?” If you cannot, then today make it your goal to memorize and meditate on the Ten Commandments this week. Just recently I heard of how a whole church came into revival simply because the pastor exhorted his congregation to meditate daily on the Ten Commandments. He suggested that parents have the Ten Commandments framed on a wall near their dining table so that they can discuss one or more commandments at meal times.
I challenge you to look up every blessing that is promised to those who fear the Lord. I know if you do this, you will want to instruct others in the fear of the Lord.
Lord, I confess my neglect of learning and teaching the Ten Commandments. It is not too late for me to make this a top priority in my life and the life of my family. Help me to be diligent to teach the fear of the Lord to others.
READ: Ruth 2:1-4:22; John 4:43-54; Psalm 105:16-38; Proverbs 14:26-27