Things My Parents Taught Me

Posted By Jay Jones on Sep 6, 2014

“The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

Teens often think they cannot have a close relationship with their parents. This is not so, but to have such a relationship requires effort and commitment on the part of both parent and child.

We give validity to the things we’ve been taught by what we’ve learned in the process. Here are some things my parents taught me…

REACH for it!

1. You can do anything you want to do – if you want to do it bad enough.
My parents, my grandparent and my family lived this concept out before me and taught me that nothing was beyond my abilities if I set my mind to it.

Solomon said, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7) This is true for the positive and the negative. We admire those who set their mind to a task and accomplish it regardless of the obstacles. But we can also think our way to defeat and failure. We live within our own set of limitations.

WORK for it!

2. If it’s worth doing at all – it’s worth doing well.
Before beginning any noble pursuit, it’s worth it to think it through clearly. Set short-term and long-term goals. Plan your work and work your plan.
As a matter of principle, Christians should strive for excellence.

Make it Your CHOICE!

3. The will of God is the most important thing in life.
The value you place on the will of God is revealed in your priorities.
There’s no substitute for being where God wants you to be. Learn to discern His will – then do everything possible to do His will.

COMMIT to it!

4. If the Bible says it – do it!
Your obedience demonstrates your love and your trust in Jesus and in His plan and His Word.
Being a student of the Word is a good thing. Search the Scriptures. Be like the Bereans and do it daily. Learn what God’s Word says and set your heart and mind to do it with all your might. Once you commit, you’ll find it easier to be faithful and make the right decisions.
Remember – You do not have the right to explain obedience away. Biblical obedience is the key to peace of mind and a joyful heart.

HOLD it FAST!

5. There is nothing greater than salvation.
It’s not based on our looks. It’s not based on our wealth. It’s not based on our position. It’s not based on our education or our achievements. In the light of eternity none of these things matter.
It’s eternity that makes salvation an absolute essential.

Charles Grisham is the pastor of New Life Apostolic Church in Detroit, Michigan.