Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, “It’s not a crime,” is a partner to him who destroys. Proverbs 28:24, TLV

What We Learn as Kids…     What we learn at home prepares us for living in the world—the good and not-so-good. That is why those “little” sins we think we get away with when we’re young, grow into big problems we’ll eventually have to deal with.

For instance, if we learn to take the easy road because we don’t want to work, we bring laziness or slacking into the world.

If we learn to take what we want — especially when it belongs to another — we’ll bring that into the world. And depending upon the scope of our “taking,” it won’t be long before we’re in real trouble.

Wholesome Things

What about the wholesome things we learn? If we’re blessed to have parents who teach us the primary code of ethics — the 10 Commandments — we are better prepared to live out our faith. Not just memorizing the words but living it every day.

While the commandment against stealing is important (see above), a fundamental commandment — the first commandment with a promise — is honoring our parents.

“Honor your father and your mother just as Adonai your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and it may go well with you in the land Adonai your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16, TLV

How great is this? With this one commandment, we can train our children in how to respect authority, love unconditionally, show grace, show mercy, and so many other valuable tools for adulthood.

Learning to honor those who raise us — whether our parents or others placed over us — works in harmony with our commitment to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). These lessons develop us as human beings. Because they build character and faith.

Not-So-Good Things

By the way, what we don’t learn growing up, are the challenges we must overcome as adults.

No home is perfect, but we can learn wisdom even through those difficult experiences. We can unlearn what isn’t Godly and be the better for it.

Then, one day, we can take those lessons and teach others. Our children can teach their children. Together, we can make the world around us a better place.

Think More About It

What are some of your childhood influences that impacted your adult life?

Until tomorrow, may we learn the lessons well, my friends.

Will the evildoers never learn?
They consume My people as they would eat bread,
and never call upon God. Psalm 53:5. TLV

Sigh. How many times have we cried out a similar response to the insanity in this world? But there is an important key to our prayer today—call upon God. Praying that those who persecute His people need to call upon God. That is where they will find freedom. Whether the persecutors or persecuted, we all need to call upon God for deliverance, guidance, redemption, reconciliation. Amen? God bless you!