In II Chronicles 10:1-19, the account of Solomon's son Jeroboam reveals a young man who chose to ignore the wisdom of his elders for the popular counsel of his peers. The story actually is a continuation his father's story - Solomon's departure from God's wisdom to reliance on his own. Both situations led to the same outcome - destruction. Proverbs 13:20 puts the situation rather bluntly: "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."
I wish I could claim that I have always made the right choices and set the right example for my children. I would like to be able to say that I paid attention to the wisdom of my elders instead of sometimes following the trends of my generation. I realize now that not everything my parents' and grandparents' generations taught was without value; I just didn't take the time or have the maturity or desire to understand the wisdom of what they believed and taught. On the other hand, not everything they held to be "truth" was; their generations were no more immune to popular cultural influences than ours are. The comfort I take from this understanding is that those things that are wise transcend generations and have their foundations in the Word of God. God's truth remains unchanged through all time.
As parents, we have the responsibility to set the example for our children. If we desire our children to be wise, we have to be wise; if we want them to be like Christ, we have to be like Him. This doesn't mean that we will "get it right" every day and in all situations. What it does mean, though, is that we will put our reliance in the Lord and seek wisdom from Him and His word. It means we commit ourselves first to seeking God's ways and living according to His will for our lives and then ensuring that we are teaching our children through how we live and how we parent them.
God has provided us with the tools we need to be successful. We have his Word, the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us and to guide us, and godly people who can support us. We aren't in this alone.
The Bible isn't short of words of wisdom. As you go through your day, find time to sit with God and His word; ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. God is not unaware of your needs or your situation; He will provide you the guidance you need. You will find that as you study and listen and intentionally walk with the Lord, you will know wisdom. You will become the example of who you want your children to be - a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for providing all we need to be your followers. You created us, You have a unique purpose for us, and You have ensured that we will have what we need to become who You intend us to be.
You have given us a calling to raise our children to know and serve You. Please lead and direct us as we study your word, seek your wisdom, and become more like You before our children. Help us to lead them to know You.
We pray this in Your name, Amen.
Some verses to get you started:
Proverbs 24:3
Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 23:12
Psalm 111:10
Matthew 6:25-34
Ephesians 6:4
James 1:5
