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In our walks around this beloved town, we often have conversations with kids who are roaming around looking for something interesting. That is something that is the same all over the world – bored kids. What is also the same is that kids in our town will find some of the same things to get excited about as young people in New York or Miami.
God presented Solomon with great wisdom. Today we would describe him as a real renaissance man. He was interested in all things about this life. In addition to being a King, he was also a Preacher, Scientist, and a very rich Business Man. He wrote down much of the wisdom he received from God.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs contains wisdom that is especially useful to young people, and anyone trying to better their life. Some of the kids on our streets do not have anyone who is willing to spend time with them in teaching them about life. Just in case you missed some good advice from your parents or grandparents, it is never too late. Consider what the book of Provers has to say on some important issues of life.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (1:7 NIV) If you really want to have wisdom and knowledge - start by being humble before God. Read the Bible often with hunger and thirst for eternal wisdom.
"My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, 'Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul'". (1:10-11 NIV) Our young people are often tempted into a life of laziness and crime by those who make an evil life seem adventurous and rewarding. They never tell our kids how horrible it is to live locked behind bars, or to be wandering the streets with no hope of a better life. Some of our youth are tempted to make easy money be becoming small time drug dealers. Follow God's word – do not give in to these deceivers. They only want to use you for their own profit.
Those of us with a few miles certainly remember the strong influence of peer pressure. The world is still the same, and our young people desperately need to see adults living good and wholesome lives. Our young people need to have good companions. If there are no good kids for them to associate with, then we must spend more time with them.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." 3:5a NIV) Trusting in God by learning his word will lead you to honor God with your prosperity. We must seek after the wisdom of with all our heart and soul.
"It (wisdom) will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God." (2:16-17 NIV) Young people must learn to beware the promiscuous advances of those men and women who look at them with lustful eyes. Many men and women are living in poverty and hopelessness, cut off from their families because of an adulterous person preying upon them in their youth. We know without any doubt that the way to stop the advance of the horrible AIDS problem is to educate our young people to ABSTAIN until they are married. Married people should obey God's commands and remain faithful to their spouses.
"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (20:1 NIV) Many young people are deceived by the bad examples they see at home and by the misleading advertising of alcoholic beverages. Beer is presented as something that quenches the thirst of a real athletic person. You almost get the impression that it is something similar to Gatorade. Social workers will have much less work to do if we can turn our young people away from a thirst for alcohol and drugs. "Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all." (22:2 NIV) There is something of value in the Bible for all people. I hope you will begin a fresh new reading of God's word today.
You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 