The family worship addressed the interests and needs of the teens.
Donna didn’t have to chase after them with the Bible. They sought her
out. May we always remember that the Word of God is powerful.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ.
Disassociation from the Wicked
(^) The third foundational issue is found in Proverbs 1:10. “My son, if
sinners entice you, do not give in to them.” Solomon is calling his son
to disassociation with the wicked. God understands the problem of
influence. The one who lives in company with wicked people will
learn wicked ways.
(^) While what I have written above is true, it fails to catch the genius
of this passage. This passage does not simply tell us to disassociate
with the wicked. It also tells us why our children are attracted by such
alliances. In verses 10–19 of this chapter, there are over 20 collective
pronouns. Note these with me:
(^) “Come along with us .... we will get all sorts of plunder ....
throw in your lot with us ... we will share a common purse ... ”
(^) What is the pitch to the young person in Proverbs 1? It is
belonging. The attraction of giving in to the wicked is camaraderie.
The appeal is to a very human need to share mutuality with others.
Your kids need to belong.
(^) I was a new elder making a pastoral call early one summer
evening. As I sipped tea and chatted with a middle-aged couple, their
daughter descended the stairs. She was dressed in a tawdry and
immodest manner. As she entered the living room, her father spoke
harshly, “Just where do you think you’re going, girl?” he asked in a
voice that would curdle milk. “Out,” was the monosyllabic reply.
“You’re not going anywhere dressed like that,” he said, adding, “You
look like a slut!” The door closed behind her. She was gone.
(^) I don’t have any idea what happened for the rest of the evening. I
am not sure how long I stayed or what we talked about. All I could