Parents teach. For good or for bad we teach others by what we do and say. My dad tried to teach me to back a trailer. After midnight last week in Little Rock, after a sixteen hour trip, I wish I had listened to him. For our children, following the Lord may sound a lot like backing a trailer. But we who know him must introduce him to those who do not.
Imagine a father sitting in a chair calling his kids close. “Come my children, listen to me, let me teach you the fear of the Lord.” Who is eligible to be taught to live with holy reverence for the Lord? Whoever loves life and wants to see many good days. This is not only a desire for a long life but for a good quality of life.
When we keep our tongues from evil and lips from telling lies . . . when we seek peace and pursue it, we are living with the fear of the Lord. What we say speaks volumes about our relationship with God. We can use our tongues for good or evil. Which will we choose? In our relationships with others too, we send a message about our love for God. When we seek peace and pursue it, we are living with the fear of the Lord.
As I memorized this passage, I envisioned myself at Christmas sitting in the green recliner with my kids gathered around. I know they love life. I know they want to see many good days. I am not only their father but their teacher. May God help us to teach our children and grandchildren (if God allows) to live with the fear of the Lord by showing them our own love for the Lord. Christmas is coming. Or we could start today. Today.
