May 23 – Reading 143

MAY 23 – Reading 143

by Vanessa Abrisqueta | May 23

“GUARDING YOUNG HEARTS: PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN IN A TEMPTING WORLD”
(Proverbs 5:1 – 7:27)

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 6:20

In his book “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction,” Eugene Peterson writes, “Discipleship is a process of paying more and more attention to God’s righteousness and less and less attention to our own.” This profound insight came to mind recently as I witnessed a conversation among a few parents discussing how to teach wise decision-making to their child. One parent remarked, “We’re not just teaching kids what to avoid, but helping them develop a taste for what’s good.” His words echoed Peterson’s emphasis that spiritual formation isn’t primarily about rules but about developing an appetite for righteousness that guides choices throughout life.

Proverbs 5-7 contains some of Scripture’s most explicit warnings against temptation, particularly addressing sexual temptation. Solomon repeatedly urges his son to heed parental instruction as protection against destructive choices: “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you” (Proverbs 7:1). While these chapters deal with mature themes, their core message applies to all ages: wisdom provides protection in a world full of enticing choices that lead to harm.

The father in Proverbs doesn’t just command obedience—he explains consequences, appeals to understanding, and invites his child into a relationship with wisdom itself. “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend” (Proverbs 7:4). This tells us that effective spiritual guidance is less about rules and more about relationships. When children develop a personal connection to God’s wisdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, they build internal safeguards that remain even when external protections fade away.

Consider how you might adapt these principles when guiding the children in your life. Create safe spaces for honest questions. Share age-appropriate wisdom about life’s temptations rather than relying solely on rules. This approach serves not only those raised in church but also reaches children from unchurched backgrounds who need guidance without judgment as they navigate a confusing world. Remember that your goal isn’t just protecting them today but equipping them with Spirit-led discernment for tomorrow.

Application:

• Protection comes through relationships and understanding, not just rules and boundaries.

   

• The Holy Spirit empowers believers of all ages to develop internal wisdom and discernment.

   

• Age-appropriate guidance about temptation prepares children for increasing independence.

   

Reflection:
How do you balance protection with preparation when guiding children through life’s temptations? What safe spaces have you created for honest questions from the children in your care? How might the Holy Spirit be leading you to address difficult topics with the next generation in ways that build wisdom rather than just compliance?

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us through life’s temptations. We acknowledge that the children in our care face a world filled with enticing choices that can lead them away from Your best. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit as we seek to protect while also preparing them. Give us wisdom to know when to establish boundaries and when to build understanding. Help us create environments where honest questions are welcomed and wisdom is transmitted through loving relationships. Use us to reach not only children from believing homes but also those who have never known Your guidance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.