A proverb is a short saying that is generally true. It is
not a promise or guarantee. Proverbs need some interpretation and careful
thought. For instance, this one:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
One interpretation of this proverb has brought grief to
many parents. Their children grow up rebelling against what they have been
taught and the parents blame themselves and might even lose their faith in God.
They didn’t realize this is a proverb about something
else, not a guarantee for raising godly children. We do our best, but must
remember that Adam and Eve had a perfect Parent, lived in a perfect environment,
and they went astray despite those advantages!
A better interpretation of this proverb goes like this: Train
up a child in the way of his natural skills and abilities, and when he is old,
he will still be using them.
Most of us know that if a child loves music, parents
should not force him to play football, or if a child is interested in science
and bugs, do not insist that he becomes a wallpaper designer. Of course, some
children have multi-talents and interests, but the point is that I ought to know
enough about my children to encourage them in their interests and abilities,
their natural ‘bent’ that makes them who they are.
This can go beyond the practical interests such as
choosing a career or choosing hobbies and pastimes. The Bible speaks also of
spiritual gifts. I’m thinking of the list in Romans 12 that uses language hinting
these gifts are part of the way a person thinks, indicating the “way he should
go.”
This is a big topic and impossible to fit into this post, but
after considerable study in this area, I’ve concluded that much of my interests
and abilities are related to my spiritual gifts. I’ve noticed the same in my
children, and thankfully not too late in their lives to encourage them. For
instance, one is gifted in teaching. Biblically, this gift is about being
interested in many things and gathering information to help people think
correctly about many topics. This child of ours was teaching computer skills to
grades 1-3 when he was in grade 7. He didn’t become a teacher, but uses this
gift in his job as a project manager. Also, he has never stopped helping people
with their computer problems.
As an adult, he thoroughly researches everything. I’ve
known a few others who do this and thought they were a bit obsessed, but
because of Proverbs 22:6, I understand them better. The desire of their heart
is to think rightly and help others think rightly. If they are Christians, this
is expressed in solid Bible study so the truths of God are not only researched
for personal benefit but to share with others.
Had I known about these God-given skills when they were
young, I would have understood and trained my children with a stronger focus on
this “way they should go.” However, God brought out their gifts anyway, and gave
me a general idea to encourage them. All three know ‘the way they should go’
and that way has not changed throughout their lives.
My parents had less clue of this than I did, but they knew
my interests and skill and encouraged me. My mother told me that if I was doing
artistic things, I didn’t have to do much housework, just 1-2 short chores. My
dad was machine-oriented, but he made sure that from a young age I always had a
horse to ride. I still appreciate the freedom of their respect, particularly
when I hear a parent say that their children’s interests are nonsense, or call their
child weird in the way they think.
^^^^^^^
Jesus, this is still a practical truth. Knowing people are
gifted in various ways helps me ask questions and discern their interests. I
can encourage them to develop and use their gifts and follow their passions.
Many have not had any training from their own parents and are blessed when told
to ‘go for it’ by another adult. This also helps me focus; I am one of those
easily distracted people because everything interests me, but unlike You, I
cannot do all that catches my eye. You know the way I should go and keep
nudging me in that direction — bringing great blessing and sense of purpose to
my life!
No comments:
Post a Comment