“A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.”

                                                                                                                               Proverbs 13:1

 

It’s time to be a wise child  and listen to Dad!

 

It’s funny what images reading a Scripture will conjure in our mind’s eye. When I read this passage, I immediately see the “mocker,” rather than the “wise child.” I’m not sure what that says about me, but it does give me pause for thought…

 

Perhaps the reason that the image of the “mocker” is so quick to materialize is because the comeuppance that happens after an incident with a child like this is an “attention getter.” It seems that everyone around becomes aware of an unruly child. It isn’t a comfortable situation for anyone! Whereas, the wise child quietly accepts instruction and moves forward.

 

The Bible refers to Christians as God’s children. So… are we wise, accepting God’s discipline, or are we mockers who refuse to listen to His correction? Do we see the wisdom of His guidance, His discipling of us, or do we kick against the instruction? Do we have the attitude of trust, or do we have a selfish attitude that wants to stomp its foot and have its own way? We need to ask the question, “Am I a spiritual brat!?”

 

Right or wrong, children’s actions reflect on their parents. Haven’t we all watched a child and wondered, “What were his parents thinking?” When children act up and won’t mind, don’t we sometimes wonder whether their parents ever discipline them? It’s easy to immediately question the parenting skills of Mom and Dad.

 

I can assure you that God has great “parenting skills.” But, right or wrong, our actions reflect on Him. The truth is that for most of us it’s easier to picture the wayward child, and in the same way, it’s easier for the world to remember the wayward Christian. It’s easier, in part, because bad actions are publicized, and because of that, God’s “parenting skills” are questioned.

 

There’s another Proverb that says, “A wise son brings joy to his father…” Those children who quietly take instruction and learn from it bring joy to their homes. They reflect well on who their parents are. They’re the kind of kids you want to be around… That’s the kind of kid I want to be!