The Word of i20 by Jerome Stewart
The world today is very challenging with the 24 hour news cycle keeping us instantly abreast of the things happening around the world. The images of war
and the impact on the innocent who are very young is hard to handle even as an adult. But think about the impact on the psyche of the very young who may
witness the dark side of humanity, that’s on display today. Sadly to say the evil influences besieging our young people is coming from many directions. Children
are being manipulated and taken advantage of by those with no conscience toward God. Our young people are in need of the directions the word of God
can provide at a young age. The greatest benefits of trusting in the wisdom of the living God, is in recognizing there is already a plan in place to assist anyone in
raising a child. Deuteronomy chapter 6 has great significance irrespective of the time period. After Moses instructed the Israelites on having love for the LORD
first, he addressed the needs of the children. In vss. 6 and 7 in relation to vs. 5 He says; “And these words, which I command you today shall be in your heart. You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise
up.” It matters greatly the people we listen to, as well as the words of the songs we listen to. There is an old adage that says; “garbage in garbage out.” There are
some words to the different songs that young people listen to that are vulgar, degrading and words that are motivated because of anger. Our young people can
recite the words verbatim without missing a beat. They can recite the words in the bible when there is teaching in the home. Proverbs 22 vs. 6 says; “train up a child
in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” A proverb is not an absolute but it is absolutely essential that children are exposed at a
young age, the meaning of respect for self, as well as having respect for others. The prophet Isaiah says chapter 54 v.13; “All you children shall be taught by the
LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Guess who else will have peace!
I truly enjoy Mr. Brown’s, if I may call them, short sermons. His words always have depth of meaning and I hope the CCO continues to publish them.