Topic: Joy Through Children [Wednesday September 6, 2017]
Text: Proverbs 17:1-14
Key Verse: “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6).
Charles Francis Adams, 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: “Went fishing with my son today – a day wasted.” His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: “Went fishing with my father—the most wonderful day of my life!” The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time.
The only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing is to know one’s ultimate purpose in life and to judge accordingly. From our text, we have the usual sundry words of wisdom with a clear emphasis on the importance of children to the fathers and vice versa. Grandchildren are described as the crown of old men, while the glory of the children are their fathers. Children look up to their parents for guidance and leadership. Therefore, the time we invest in them is never wasted as they will grow to become useful to themselves and others. As fathers, we must make out time to be with our children. It’s sobering, but true, that the qualities that will determine how successful our children will be in school and in life are inculcated in them by their parents. We need to have the best influence we can on our children while they are with us.
Making out the time for this noble task usually involves sacrifice and tough choices. But it’s worth it. The time we spend with our children now will pay big dividends for the rest of their lives here and in eternity. We must dedicate quality time to mentor, mould and minister to our own children, biological and spiritual.
Thought for the day: Charity begins at home.
Bible Reading in one Year: Leviticus 18-20
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
