Today you should read: Proverbs 22:1-16
This passage of scripture basically rests on verses 1-6 and 15-16. I love the ideas behind what is being said, especially serving in the student ministry and knowing I am called to that area of ministry by God. If you look at verses 2-5 you will notice that they are a single unit that is dealing with wealth poverty and the road to ruin.
It is important to take this in because there are clear hints being dropped that help us understand what will lead us to and away from ruin. It is no accident that we are told to train up children in the way to go. Parents are instructed to be the ones who would disciple, lead, and train their children to grow into strong adults who follow after Jesus. I personally did not grow up with that, and I am extremely thankful for other adults in the church who came along to help me in this.
This is not an easy task! Verse 15 speaks to this. Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Children, and teenagers are going to be rebellious and are going to fail. This is why we as adults and you as a parent if you have children must be resilient and consistent. I was a bit hard headed but my student pastor was never afraid to tell me how it was and even let me experience the discipline of the Lord as a result of my actions. It was through those things that I grew. When we lack discipline we lack reason to grow. The Lord disciplines us to show us our wrongs and to get us to see that we need a change, and because we deserve it. We are responsible as disciplers, leaders, and especially PARENTS to do the same.
By: Dakota Gragg — Student Ministry Associate
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