Which Scenario Do You Want For Your Children?
What do our children or grandchildren see when they watch us? Do they see people who are discerning about the company we keep?
Are they observing parents who honor God in all their choices, words and thoughts?
Psalm 1 presents two contrasting scenarios. Take a moment to look up the psalm and read all six verses. As you read, notice how the first half highlights the blessings and delights we experience when we allow ourselves to be nourished by God’s Word.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (:3 ESV)
Then, observe the stark contrast in the latter half of the psalm, which depicts those who live in disobedience to God’s Word:
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1:4-6 ESV)
The Amplified Bible, Classic Edition ends verse six with
but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).
Are these words persuasive enough to inspire you to make some changes?
For sure, the last half of Psalm 1 isn’t as fun as the first half to read or even think about. But its warnings are important. Since our heavenly Father is loving, good and merciful, we can only begin to imagine how profoundly He longs for us to choose the correct path.
But the choice is ours.
How would it change us – and our day – if we consistently honored God with our choices, words and thoughts?
Would it help (and change everything we did) if we remembered how much God loves us? That He is walking with us?
Do you desire the rewards that come from seeking God and His wisdom? Or do you prefer the consequences of rebelling against God and His ways? We can find purpose, direction and meaning – or we can live recklessly, suffering disappointment and regret.
Which scenario do you want for yourself? Which scenario do you want for your children?
They are learning from your example.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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The choice is ours.
I’ll never forget my Logan coming home with Psalm 1:3 written with a picture of a thriving tree from Sunday school and how much it pleased me to see him learning about Scripture when he was still young. Since that time, twice in art class in middle school and high school he painted trees in public school and I framed them. I could see that it truly made an impression on him. What a beautiful illustration of when we rely on God’s truth! “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8. Here’s another wise proverb; “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30. Thanks Sheryl!
I also know the joy felt when one of my children experienced an understanding — a real connection — to God’s Word. Even today, as adults. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it, Kim?