Tom Tate12/2/2017
"LESSONS FROM THE SOLOMONS"
Did you ever have one of those days when you felt like the best Christian in the world? On RARE occasions I do. My halo is so straight and bright that all those around me are in awe. I want to volunteer to teach/sub for a bible class, help with VBS, outreach ministries, or any kind of mission work. I can do something for anyone never asking questions or giving my opinion on how they should do things. Unfortunately, it is usually shortly lived, but it could be longer if people wouldn't get in my way.
A while back I was finding myself being so negative, so judgmental, so opinionated. I could justify myself by expressing my thoughts, which were of course right, in just the right way getting others to agree with me. This way I could save face and not be held accountable for any consequences. Yet, I didn't like how I was feeling and even if it was rough, I needed people who would get in my way.
It seemed that no matter where I started with my bible study or heard thoughts by others I was being directed to the book of Proverbs. I figured this was God's way of saying, "Hello Melinda, just a little reminder that you are not God." So, starting with the book of Proverbs it was. As many times as I had read it before, it was like I was seeing it for the first time. Proverbs opens with the reason for the writing of this book.
"These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom
and discipline,
to
help them understand the insights of the wise.
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and
successful lives,
to
help them do what is right, just, and fair.
These proverbs will give insight to the
simple,
knowledge
and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and
become even wiser.
Let
those with understanding receive guidance
by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the
words of the wise and their riddles.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation
of true knowledge,
but
fools despise wisdom and discipline."
Proverbs 1: 1-7
I knew if I wanted to stop being negative, judgmental or opinionated I needed to learn from some of the best teachers in the world...my children who at times are as wise as Solomon.
LESSON ONE
If a child sees someone needing money he will just give wanting nothing in return.
When our children were little we were on a family trip. We were getting off the interstate when our daughter, Destini saw a homeless man holding a sign saying he needed money. As John and I were looking for the locks on our door, Destini rolled down her window to give the man her change. I was about to tell her of the dangers of doing this, but stopped when I saw tears in her eyes for the man. Destini knew what it was to give unconditionally.
I would think or say something like, "They could get a job if they really wanted. It's probably beneath them to work at a fast food restaurant. This begging is their job."
"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
But helping the poor honors him."
Proverbs 14:31
LESSON TWO
If a child sees someone needing help they just do. They don't ask what's in it for me.
When our son, Damon's first grade teacher called I instantly thought, "Oh no a call from the teacher is not good." However, she wanted to share with us that there was a child in the class that was being teased by some children and no one wanted to play with him. Damon had taken it upon himself to take this child under his wing to protect him and play with him. She said this was something she had only seen one other time in all her years of teaching. Damon knew what it was to care for someone unconditionally.
I would think or say something like, "Well, if they are in this predicament it is because they don't know how to do anything on their own. If they want to better themselves, they should this or that. I will help them but only for a few hours, after all this is my day off and I have things I need to do for myself."
"Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions."
Proverbs 18:2
LESSON THREE
When a child is in bible class or children's church he is the first to raise his hand to lead a song, pray, answer questions about the story and can't wait to show his parents what he did in class.
When our son, Dustin while stationed at Camp LeJeune he was asked to teach a children's bible class. Instead of giving excuses, he took it upon himself to study the material and observe others. This led him to teaching classes not only for children but to adults, leading songs, and even preaching be it in the states, Okinawa, Afghanistan, or Iraq. Dustin knew what it was to serve unconditionally.
I would say or think something like, "I don't know how. I'm not good with that age. I am retired. I'm busy. Get someone else to do it. I've done my part. I don't want to give up going to my class."
"Commit your work to the Lord,
and then your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3
LESSON FOUR
Being a Christian doesn't mean we should let people walk over us like a worn-out door mat. This doesn't help anyone. But, if we truly want to serve God our hearts must become a welcoming mat, so all can see his unconditional love.
"Trust in
the Lord with all your heart;
do
not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and
he will show you which path to take."
Proverbs 3: 5-6
©Melinda Sutherland December 2017
ADDITONAL READING
Proverbs -- read a chapter a day
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss
