Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Mother’s Role in a Family Legacy

Proverbs 31:
1. The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

Who is this king Lemuel and who is his queen mother? No one knows for sure but the majority of the speculation is that it is Solomon. Solomon did go by more than one name.
“And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:24-25)
Jedidiah means “beloved of the Lord.” It is speculated that Lemuel, which means “for God,” was an endearing childhood nickname used by his mother, Bathsheba. If all this is true (and we don’t know) then several observations can be made. The first observation is that there can be forgiveness and restoration after adultery. Everyone knows the sinful circumstances surrounding Bathsheba becoming David’s wife. Yet she did become his wife and there was repentance and God blessed the union. The queen mother’s reference to her vow is, I think, a reference to her marriage vows and shows her commitment to them. Second, the fact that she calls her son Lemuel, whether it was Solomon or not, indicates that this mother was raising her son “for God.” This is all the more significant if it is Bathsheba and Solomon because it indicates that with repentance, faith towards God and a commitment to obey him, even relationships that began with the sin of adultery can be reclaimed for God to build a Family Legacy.
“ . . . But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” (Romans 5:20b)
However, those of you who think you can manipulate God through the use of perceived loopholes of grace, do not think, “I need a new wife. God will forgive me and we can have a new beginning.” God has this to say about those who say:
“. . . ‘Let us do evil, that good may come?’ whose damnation is just.” (Romans 3:8)
But even if this is not Solomon and Bathsheba the conclusion still holds. And we can also note how this text underscores the importance of mothers bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It is not just the father’s task.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
Building a Family Legacy is a joint effort between husband and wife. They both are important. But what if the mother is alone in this task either as a single mother or due to a husband “missing in action?” There is still hope and we find the example of this faithfulness and hope in Timothy’s mother.
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Tim 1:5)
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. “ (2 Tim 3:15-17)
This is what building a Family Legacy is all about – raising men (and women) of God, thoroughly furnished unto every good work.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

A Family Legacy Out of the Depths

Proverbs 30:
1. The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2. Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

The last two chapters of the Book of Proverbs are considered to be appendices because they are wise sayings by someone other than Solomon. Who are Agur, Ithiel and Ucal? No one knows, but we are presented with an instructor, Agur, teaching his two students, even if we don’t know their precise relationship. The surprising thing is that the instructor claims to have no wisdom or knowledge or understanding. But this is what qualifies one to be a teacher! What could he possibly mean? In fact, he compares himself to brute beasts, implying that he is not capable of being instructed either. This beastliness was discussed somewhat in Proverbs 12:1. We seem (to me) to have a situation where a teacher, even a wise man, has been brought low. Perhaps he has been made aware of his own moral failures before the face of a holy God, like Isaiah.
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5)
Or perhaps he has been brought low by distressing circumstances, and struggles to understand God’s ways and purposes, like Job. Here is how God responds to Job’s questioning spirit.
"Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.” (Job 38:1-4)
God goes on for another 65 verses asking Job these “who do you think you are?” and "what do you know?” kinds of questions (very similar to Proverbs 30:4) and finally concludes with this.
“Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.” (Job 40:2)
And Job answers in a manner similar to Isaiah.
“Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:3-5)
There are times when we are brought low due to our sins or circumstances or both, and we are emptied of any sense of our value or worth or that we have anything to show for our time spent on earth. All our hopes and dreams are shattered and the world is crumbling down around us. When that happens we have to do what Agur, Isaiah, Job and David did.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (the text is similar in Psalm 42:5,11 and 43:5)
Many of the Psalms are written this way. The Psalmist begins with distress and complaints and through the process of his praying by the end of the Psalm he is strengthened in his faith and hope in God.

And this is how this helps us in building a Family Legacy. Perhaps you think that none of what has been written on this blog for the past month applies to you. You feel your Family Legacy has been destroyed even to the point that everyone close to you hates you. Do not despair! There still can be a Family Legacy for you. Hope in God! He is the God of covenant promises, of hope and of new beginnings, because he is the God of resurrection. He brings life back from the dead by the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13)
Believe it and act on that belief!

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Family Legacy and Reproof

Proverbs 29:
1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Here is a good verse for a hell-fire and brimstone preacher, and the examples of the hardened neck and the resultant destruction are many in Scripture. Imagine those outside Noah’s ark, struggling to get in when the waters began to rise, but unable to do so because the door was shut. Or Pharaoh, who with each successive plague, did not repent, but hardened his heart until he was finally drowned in the Red Sea. Or Ahab killed by an arrow drawn at a venture, or Judas Iscariot, who “went to his own place.” Many preachers might like to use these as examples that support this saying:
“The floggings will continue until the attitude improves.”
But I would like to go in a different direction – a direction described by this verse.
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
In reality it is the realization and hope of God’s goodness that brings repentance.

There is the story about a Methodist church in the early 19th century whose minister died and they requested of the Bishop a hell-fire and brimstone preacher to replace him. So he sent them one, but he only lasted nine months and left. So the Bishop sent them a second hell-fire and brimstone preacher and in even less time he was asked to leave. So the Bishop sent them a third hell-fire and brimstone preacher and he stayed there 30 years. In the Bishop’s later life he was conversing with one of the older parishioners, and he asked, “Why did you reject the first two preachers but not the third? They were all hell-fire and brimstone preachers.” “Well,” replied the parishioner, “The third preacher preached as though he didn’t want us to go there.”

A striking illustration in Scripture of how the realization and hope of God’s goodness brings repentance is found in the story of Jonah. Jonah ran away from God’s command to preach against Nineveh, was swallowed by a fish, coughed up on shore and then decided to obey God and go to Nineveh and preach against it.
“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4)
Where is the grace in this preaching? Jonah says in 40 days you will be toast, no ifs, ands or buts. But how did Nineveh respond?
“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. And [the king proclaimed], Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.” (Jonah 3:5,7-8)
Now what made the people of Nineveh think that all this would change anything about Jonah’s prophetic preaching? This is what they thought.
“Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?” (Jonah 3:9)
Even though there is no record of grace in Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh dared to believe that God was merciful and compassionate and they responded accordingly with this result.
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” (Jonah 3:10)
It is a remarkable thing that the people of Nineveh responded with an expectation of God’s mercy, but many today who name the name of Christ think hard thoughts against God.

So what does this have to do with a Family Legacy? Much every way. The point is not to give license to ministers to preach graceless sermons, but rather to encourage all of us to see God’s grace and goodness in everything.
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
God is the God of Family Legacies to 1000 generations. Embrace it, labor for it and dare to believe that God will bless you with it.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Building a Lion-Hearted Family Legacy

Proverbs 28:
1. The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The story goes that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle claimed he once sent five or so important people a telegram reading "ALL IS DISCOVERED - FLEE AT ONCE." According to Doyle, they all fled the country by the end of the week. [I have not been able to verify the truth of this story. A similar story is attributed to Mark Twain. If anyone can help confirm this, please let me know.]

The above story, even if not true, is funny and illustrates at least the first half of this proverb. This is what happens when the conscience brings guilt to people by applying the work of the law written on their heart.
“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” (Romans 2:14-15)
Now it is important to note a distinction. All men have "the work of the law” written on their hearts – which we call the conscience. But some have more – they have the law written in their heart.” There is an importance difference.
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:” (Hebrews 8:10)
These are those who have been joined to Jesus Christ by faith. Now are these who have the law written in their heart the same as the righteous in the last half of the proverb? Unfortunately – No. How can that be? It happens because not everyone who has been joined to Jesus Christ by faith always lives with a clear conscience and blameless life. Does this mean that we have to attain sinless perfection to be the righteousness and have the resultant boldness described in this proverb? No. The simplest way to describe what is required is found here.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Now you can see that the person who is joined to Jesus Christ by faith has much that needs to be added to that faith for him to attain the righteousness, assurance and boldness described in this proverb. And this is a perfect process outlined and goal identified for every one to pursue in building a thriving, robust and lion-hearted Family Legacy.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Family Legacy and Mortality

Proverbs 27:
1. Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

An insightful variation of this verse goes like this.
“It is better to boast when you are taking your armor off, than when you are putting it on.”
The insight is not that in some circumstances it is okay to boast but rather that boasting always has the future in view. Even when one boasts about past exploits, it is always with the intent of, "Watch what I'll do next." "Has beens" don't boast in this sense, they reminisce - "those were the days."

James quotes this verse in his letter and provides a helpful application and commentary.
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.” (James 4:13-14)
There are three important points to be discussed here. The first one is boasting. This is a person who is full of himself. He feels invincible, in total control and that nothing can go wrong or stop with his plans. His thinking makes him arrogant and this attitude is at the root of all boasting.

The second important point is the future. This is what he boasts about, what he will do in the future. Many people, to caution themselves about boasting about their knowledge of the future will, add this phrase to what they say, “If the Lord will, I will do this or that . . .” They seem to think that they will be doing something tomorrow. They plan A, but if that is not in God’s will then they will do something else - whatever God plans. But the real emphasis in this verse is a little different. It is, “If the Lord will, I will live . . .” The emphasis is on whether there will be a tomorrow for them at all, not on what they will be doing. The person speaking assumes he will be alive. God says he assumes too much.

The third point is that we are mortal and life is uncertain and brief. The older you get the shorter 70 to 80 years seems to be. We will all die and we do not know when. It is important for us to always be aware of this.
“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2)
This is especially important for young people who tend to be blissfully unaware of their own mortality and therefore do foolish things.
“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)
Now the point of this proverb is not to be morbid, but to be realistic. This realism should produce thankfulness and rejoicing in every day and all the gifts that God gives us.
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
This proverb becomes a wake-up call for building a Family Legacy. We will not live forever, in fact our lives are very short. Therefore we need to be diligent in raising our children to carry on a Family Legacy whose priority is the building the kingdom of God.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A Family Legacy is an Honorable Reward

Proverbs 26:
1. As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

After the Great Noahic Flood God gave this promise to Noah and set the rainbow in the sky as a token of his covenant.
“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)
We all notice that snow in summer and rain in the fall is uncommon and not what we expect. Because of the regularity of the seasons we plan our work around them and the productivity of our crops depends on hot sunny summers with rain at the right time and dryness in the fall so that crops can be harvested. Deviations from these cycles tend to reduce the crop yield. It is detrimental to our prosperity.

It is very similar with the fool. We don’t expect him to be honored. Also, a fool can be detrimental to our prosperity. If we want a job done well we don’t ask a fool to do it.
“The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” (Ecclesiates 10:15)
It is a painful and exhausting experience to depend on a fool to complete a task when he is clueless.
As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.” (Proverbs 10:26)
But more and more we see this kind of incompetence everywhere, even in high places. When people who have accomplished nothing exceptional are given honor, or worse, when they receive the honor through fraud, everyone scornfully notices the inappropriateness. This misappropriation of honor is partly due to a false view of self-image and self-esteem that teaches we should be rewarded just because we exist. The Scripture does teach the principle of rejoicing in ones self, but it is based on proving ones own work.
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” (Galatians 6:3-4)
When we honor foolishness we cause the foolish to think they’re hot stuff and we get more of the kind of behavior we reward.

On the other hand some people think the humble approach is to not desire rewards, but one of the important characteristics of faith is that it pursues and expects a reward.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
In fact, God would be unrighteous if he did not reward us.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)
Now many people get confused and think that if God rewards us according to our works then we must earn and merit those rewards. No, that is not true. While there is a relationship between our rewards and our faithfulness in what we do, that relationship is not one of merit. Whatever rewards we receive are a gracious gift from God.
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7)
Therefore while we strive and sweat and work and we can rejoice in our work, yet the glory goes to God who is working in and through us.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)
And how does this apply to a Family Legacy? Simply this. A Family Legacy is an honorable thing, but it is the result of the application of wisdom and diligence with perseverance carried forward by hope and the expectation of reward.

Monday, January 25, 2010

A Family Legacy Stands on Wisdom’s Shoulders

Proverbs 25:
1. These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

Here is what appears to be only a historical statement. Can we gain any insight from it concerning an enduring Family Legacy? Yes we can. Hezekiah was a descendent of Solomon. Solomon’s proverbs were part of his legacy to Hezekiah, but many of these proverbs, beginning in this chapter, were not made available to the people until almost 300 years later under Hezekiah. In fact, Hezekiah was responsible for a major reformation in Judah after his wicked father, Ahaz, died.
“Now . . . Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah . . . Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign . . . And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it . . . He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth:” (2 Kings 18:1-7a)
Hezekiah’s reformation was based on restoring and obeying the Word of God. This is why it was important to him to make these proverbs of Solomon known. Perhaps you have heard that a midget can see farther than a giant when he stands on the shoulders of the giant. Even so we can see farther than our fathers when we stand on their shoulders. But what do we do when our fathers are not godly, as in Hezekiah’s case? We must stand on the word of God like Hezekiah. But what do we do when we have a godly father like David? We must still stand on the word of God and not our father’s wisdom. Here is what David himself said.
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:99)
Does this mean David disregarded the teaching of his father and teachers? No. But if they were wise teachers they directed him to God’s word, just like Solomon did.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
So here is the foundation for a continuing Family Legacy. We must stand on the shoulders of God’s Wisdom, His Word.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Family Legacy for the Long Haul

Proverbs 24:
1. Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

This verse discusses what our attitudes should not be toward evil men and why that is so. Notice that the first exhortation is to not be envious against them. It doesn’t say don’t be envious towards them. To understand the difference, we must understand what envy is. It is not the same as jealousy or covetousness.
Envy “suggests a grudging of another’s possessions and accomplishments in a spiteful or malicious coveting of them.” [Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary]
When we envy the wicked we harbor an element of spite and malice against them. For example, a wicked person may be rich and own a fancy BMW car. We would like a car like that but we can’t afford it and we secretly delight when their car is damaged. We want it but we can’t have it and so we wish that it’s taken away from them also. That’s what malice is. It is to wish evil on someone else, even the wicked. This is what is forbidden.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:43-44)
Many think this is only a New Testament command, but it was true in the Old Testament, too.
“If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” (Exodus 23:5)
Now while we should help the wicked (not in committing their wickedness), yet we should not associate with them in a manner where we learn their wicked ways. This is what the last half of verse one says.

Verse two says more than don’t be around them because you will pick up their wicked ways. Yes they plan to do destructive things, but there is a basic principle that follows.
“My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.” (Proverbs 1:15-19)
Those who devise destruction for others are really devising their own destruction. They will fall in the pit they dig for others. We live in a moral universe where God is in control. Do not fret about the wicked. God will judge them in His own good time. This is how we are to trust God.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21)
Remember, we ARE in the business of overcoming evil and not letting it pass, but we overcome evil with good. This is what your Family Legacy is all about – overcoming evil with good through multiple generations. In the long run our heirs will ultimately overcome evil with good and this Scripture will become true:
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)
The gospel and the word of God through the Holy Spirit are that powerful!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Your Family Has Your Best Interest at Heart

Proverbs 23:
1. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
2. And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
3. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

Our first impression from reading this might be, “What’s wrong with enjoying a good meal at the invitation of the rich? Why must I impute some evil into the host’s intentions or his food?” Let’s see if we can find the lesson in this text.

First it is obviously an invitation to dine with a rich person who can provide a very fine banquet, even a feast. Because of the circumstances surrounding the invitation we are warned to keep our eyes open and our wits about us. We probably wouldn’t be given the same caution if our neighbor invited us over for a meal. Second, the caution is strengthened if we have a history of and weakness for overindulgence. The knife to the throat statement is just hyperbole to emphasize the risk. Finally, verse three seems to indicate that there is something in the nature of the food, not necessarily in the intent of the host.

I think it is important to note that generally speaking there was no middle class in these ancient societies. There tended to be the common people, and then the wealthy who also exercised some authority as rulers. So now this becomes something like the farm boy on his first trip into the big city. The issue is vulnerability. Or as the saying goes . . .
“It's hard to keep the boy on the farm once he's seen Paris.”
He is at risk of being overwhelmed by the sights and sounds, assume that his host has his best interest in mind and unsuspectingly be drawn into rowdy partying. There are many similar warnings throughout Scripture, one is just a few verses away where the unsuspecting guest is drawn in to be used by the host for his own purposes.
“Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.” (Proverbs 23:6-8)
Food and partying seems to be a common way for those with evil designs to draw in the unsuspecting.
“Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” (Psalm 141:4)
It appears that the prodigal son was also drawn into this trap and squandered his inheritance.
“And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (Luke 15:12-14)
So the lesson to be learned here is not that we can’t enjoy a good meal from rich friends, or that we can’t enjoy feasting with our friends. The warning is to always exercise self discipline and don’t allow your self to come under the influence or control of those who don’t have your best interests at heart. This is the value of working within the context of a Family Legacy. You are surrounded by those who have your best interest at heart and are pulling together for your success and the success of the family.

Friday, January 22, 2010

A Good Name’s Role in a Family Legacy

Proverbs 22:
1. A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

This is the third “better than” proverb that we have encountered even though a different phase, “is rather to be chosen,” is used instead. The others were Proverbs 17:1 and 19:1 and all those “better than” comments apply here also.

But having a “good name” and “loving favor” raises different questions. Isn’t it true that Jesus promised a blessing for those who don’t have a good name?
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

There are some who are persecuted because they are obnoxious and they rejoice because they think this promised blessing is for them. But is it? Peter writes about these fine distinctions.
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (1 Peter 4:14-16)

It is one thing if you are a Christian who is full of good works and the world hates you for that (and there are people that hate like that). It is another thing if you are a Christian and you are always meddling in other people’s business instead of minding your own. Generally speaking, because there is still a lot of common grace in our culture, people recognize good works and praise them. This was even true 2000 years ago in Peter’s time.
“And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” (1 Peter 3:13)

Peter, recognizing that this is true, gives this Biblical counsel as the means to live the good life.
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10-12)

This is the good name and loving favor that is being promoted in our proverb for today. And this same thing was true of Jesus also.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

So here was Jesus as a child and young man with a good name and loving favor. Later, when Jesus became a man and started preaching this all changed so that this prophecy was fulfilled.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)

What happened? After Jesus was baptized/anointed he entered his formal ministry as the Christ (the Anointed One) and began preaching against sin. (Jesus did not do this before his baptism.) Then this verse became true.
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

But while this is true Jesus assures us with this hope.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Why should this give us peace? Is it because evil is so strong that it will win but we will die and go to heaven so who cares anyway? No. It is because Jesus has overcome and he has prepared the way for us to overcome the world also through faith.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

You see we are here to overcome evil, not to allow it to win the day.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

And this is why a good name and loving favor is so important in establishing a Family Legacy.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Family Legacy Succeeds with God’s Kingdom

Proverbs 21:
1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

First we need to clarify the analogy being used here. The “rivers of water” in the text does not refer to meandering rivers where the random course of the river is determined by the water naturally seeking the path of least resistance. The NIV translates this phrase as “watercourses.” The picture is one of irrigation ditches that are directed by design to deliver the water where it needs to be. The water still obeys the laws of physics and runs down hill, but the property of the water, the free volition of the heart of the king, is used to fulfill God’s purposes and is directed by him. This message is very similar to something Paul writes.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The intent of these statements is to give us encouragement and hope. It may appear to us that powerful forces oppose us and even seek to destroy us, but the Scriptures say . . ..
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-39)
If God controls the heart and therefore the actions of the most powerful people, then don’t you think that he also controls the hearts and actions of those little people who trouble you? It is precisely because God is in control of all things that we can go to him in prayer with our concerns and our needs. This is why we pray for high public officials.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
And we are taught to pray for our daily bread in the Lord’s Prayer. God desires us to bring all our needs to him and he delights to fulfill them.
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11)

But when does God answer these prayers? God answers them when we are seeking his kingdom first. Therefore, the surest way for your Family Legacy to be successful is for it to be hitched to your pursuit of God’s kingdom and his glory -- because "we are more than conquerers through him that loved us!"

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Focus and Vision for Family Legacy Success

Proverbs 20:
1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

As we have noticed, the Book of Proverbs is all about being wise and doing the wise thing. Here it warns against an unwise act, that of being deceived by alcoholic beverages. So does this mean that any drinking of alcoholic beverages is being deceived by them? I don't think so because then Wisdom itself would be engaged in and be encouraging unwise things.
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.” (Proverbs 9:1-2,5)
Here Wisdom herself mingles wine and encourages others to drink it – and the Hebrew word for wine here is the same word used in Proverbs 20:1. Therefore this deception must mean becoming drunk, and this is condemned everywhere in the Scriptures.

But if we get caught up in the alcohol debate we will miss out on the important teaching of this verse. While the verse speaks specifically of alcohol here, it can be applied to many similar circumstances that can be summarized with these verses.
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
While it is true that the fact that something is lawful means that you cannot prohibit nor bind the conscience of another from doing it (unless it is within your authority to do so). Yet the fact that something is lawful does not mean it is the best thing to do. But how do we determine expediency? It seems so personal and subjective. Here is the Scriptural directive for determining what is expedient.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Seeking the success of God’s kingdom is our number one priority around which we are to order everything else in our lives. Jesus did this even in how he taught us to pray.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Setting this priority for all our actions extends even to our most common and insignificant activities.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
And what happens when we glorify God in everything we do?
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
As we seek to glorify God in all that we do, others see those works for what they are and also glorify God. How do they glorify God? – by doing good works too! God is only glorified by words when they are reflected in actions.

This is what this verse has to do with building a Family Legacy. The way to keep from being tripped up and derailed by activities and addictions that cloud our reason, destroy our character, or just plain waste time, is to keep focused on glorifying God in everything we do and to be focused on the vision of building His kingdom. Building a lasting Family Legacy cannot be successful without this!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A Family Legacy Up from Poverty

Proverbs 19:
1. Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

This is the second “better than” proverb that we have encountered. The first one was two days ago, Proverbs 17:1, and all those “better than” comments apply here also. But even with those explanations we still wonder to ourselves, “How can the person of integrity be poor when we read this in Proverbs 10:22?
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
Why isn’t the Lord blessing him? It is all a matter of timing. Do you remember the story of Joseph (Genesis 37) and how his brothers sold him into Egypt as a slave? What happened to him? Although he was a slave, because of his integrity he soon became the chief steward in his master’s household! Then, also because of his integrity, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. Finally, still because of his integrity, he was released from prison and elevated to the second most powerful position in Egypt! Joseph is an example of the importance of integrity in the circumstances of poverty and how both of these proverbs are true. Integrity is a necessary character trait for overcoming poverty.

Job would be another example of this. Job was . . .
“. . . the greatest of all the men of the east.” (Job 1:3)
. . . yet he lost everything, including his health. The one thing Job didn’t lose, however, was his wife, who had this to say about him.
“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9)
Now Job became very poor, yet even his wife recognized that he was a man of integrity. It seems that this is what frustrated her. She, like many people, concluded that Job’s integrity was worth nothing and she became like the second half of Proverbs 19:1. But that was not the end of the story. After Job’s suffering, which was according to God’s purposes, we read this.
“So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters . . . And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.” (Job 42:12-13,15-17)
James, in his letter, draws our attention to Job’s life as an example to follow.
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” (James 5:11)
Do you see how Proverbs 19:1 is not extolling the virtues of poverty, but rather the virtue of integrity, and how integrity is the path out of poverty because the Lord’s blesses it.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)
So even though you might find yourself in difficult financial circumstances at this time, don’t be discouraged. Through the faithful exercise of wisdom and integrity God can yet bless you with a Family Legacy, because He is full of pity and of tender mercy.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Monday, January 18, 2010

A Family Legacy Builds Relationships

Proverbs 18:
1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

I will be commenting on the alternate reading in the KJV which is this:
“He that separateth himself seeketh according to his desire, and intermeddleth in every business.”
As you can see the implication of the text changes considerably. The original suggests a focused, serious and studious person who seeks to be alone so he will not be disturbed in his studies and meditations – a seemingly commendable desire! The alternate reading gives the picture of a self-centered loner who is always meddling in the affairs of others. The second reading is similar to those of whom the Apostles’ warned us according to Jude 19.
“How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”
This idea of sensual or natural is enlarged in James 3:14-16.
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
The New Testament texts are developing the picture of a man who is not . . .
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
But rather is stirring up all manner of strife and division within the Church.

Now the application in this proverb is broader than that found in the New Testament, although the principle is the same, and can be effectively applied to building a Family Legacy.

The principle is this: building a Family Legacy builds relationships, not loners. A loner tends to be all wrapped up in his own interests, but the Scriptures say to . . .
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
A loner can tend to think of himself as better than others and therefore be always critical of their work, but the Scriptures say . . .
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
A loner’s relationships are cool and at best civil, but the Scriptures say . . .
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Romans 12:10)
Therefore, in building the relationships that create a strong Family Legacy, it is not only important that . . .
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:” (Romans 13:10a)
But also this . . .
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
Many mistakes will be made in the process of building a Family Legacy, but they can all be overcome and progress continued when this kind of love is present.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Either/Or vs. Both/And in a Family Legacy

Proverbs 17
1. Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

We will come across many “better than” comparisons in the Book of Proverbs. This is the first one for us. These are often misinterpreted and we shall see how after we explain some of the ideas in this verse.

The reference to sacrifices is an allusion to the Jewish practice of offering part of the sacrifice at the Temple (or Tabernacle) but then taking a portion of it to be eaten at home.
“But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten: “ (Leviticus 7:16)
“It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. “ (Leviticus 19:6)
Now poor people offered small sacrifices that they could afford, like turtle doves (yes, birds); but the rich would offer lambs, sheep, goats and cattle – always the best of the flock or herd. Obviously the rich would have a lot of prime meat to take home and eat, and they were expected to enjoy this, to feast upon this meat. It was not to be eaten in somberness. Now we can see that there are two things happening in this proverb. First, these people maintained an appearance of piety and spirituality – they went to church! Second, these people were wealthy – they feasted! Yet there was strife in the midst of that which should have been an advantage and blessing.

Here we start to see the intended “better than” contrast. It is basically saying, “It is better to be poor and good/happy than rich and bad/miserable.” Here is another proverb that is very similar.
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” (Proverbs 15:16)
Now this should be obvious to everyone except those who are willing to sell their soul to get rich. Yet it is a trap into which many fall, even those who agree with this proverb.
“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11)
The trap and snare into which these people fall is that they lose sight of the “better than” proverb. That is why Paul emphasizes pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

Now, how is this verse often misinterpreted? Many people can see that quietness is better than strife, but because of the way these are paired, they also conclude that having a little is better than having a lot (poverty is more blessed than riches). But if that is the case then why does Wisdom extol the possession of fine material things as one of her virtues?
“Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.” (Proverbs 3:16)
“Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. . . That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” (Proverbs 8:18,21)
So here we can create a hierarchy of value combinations.
Best........good/happy and riches
Better.....good/happy and poverty
Bad........bad/miserable and riches
Worst.....bad/miserable and poverty
Now most people, in describing the life they desire, would say yes to the top and no to the bottom choices. But many people, when they look at the middle two choices start to reason, “If I can get riches by just a little bit of wrong-doing, then I will straighten up and be righteous and rich after that.” It is exactly that kind of thinking that this proverb is warning against.

So, in building your Family Legacy don’t be afraid of becoming rich, even expect it, just determine that you will do well by doing good.
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

If the Lord Builds Not the Family Legacy . . .

Proverbs 16
1. The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

We like to think that we are in control of who we are, how we think and what we say. Sometimes this thinking comes across like this: “Thanks God, but I’ll do it myself.” (or, to be more pointed) “I don’t need you, God.” We believe there is a God, but we want to live as though He does not exist. This is called practical atheism. And then we come across a verse like this and we wonder, “Is it true?” The truth is that while we act freely, we are not autonomous or independent from God. God is present in everything we do.
“For in him [in God] we live, and move, and have our being . . .” (Acts 17:28a)
This is just a fact based on the creature/Creator distinction. There is one God, and we are not Him. We are His creation. This understanding is important in every day life because it reminds us that we live in dependence on God.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God controls not only what we say and do but what we think and what our heart desires. Look at what happened to Lydia.
“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” (Acts16:14)
God opened Lydia’s heart so that she could understand and act on what Paul was saying.

Now does this mean that we have no freedom in our actions or responsibility for what we do? No.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12-13)
Even though we are responsible to freely work out our own salvation, yet the result is from God working in us those very things He requires. Paul also wrote something similar in Ephesians 2:8-10.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that [faith] not of yourselves: it [faith] is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
We are God’s workmanship in Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus could say.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
But the opposite is also true.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Because God controls all things and because Jesus empowers us we can have confidence in the future.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
And this confidence in the future allows us to do our work with encouragement and hope.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Now you should begin to see how this applies to building a Family Legacy.
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
In other words we must actively seek through prayer God’s help in building our Family Legacy, and he will give it.
“Ask, and it shall be given you. . .” (Matthew 7:7a)

Friday, January 15, 2010

A Family Legacy is Built with Words

Proverbs 15
1. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Now every family knows the truth of this proverb from experience (at least the last part). The grievous words are what we call hot buttons. Even if the parents have matured to the point where they don’t push each other’s hot buttons, they still have to train and discipline their children to not do so either. Children know how to get under each other’s skin and they often do it on purpose. But every family knows that grievous words do not contribute to peace in the family and they can be absolutely destructive in building a Family Legacy. Words are foundational to communication and building relationships.

Now how do we develop the habit of a soft answer when we have developed a strong pattern of grievous words? We do it by strengthening the inner man.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23)
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” (Matthew 15:18)
They also defile a Family Legacy. When we look at the progression of character traits in 2 Peter 1:5-7, we see that they begin with the inner man and work outward.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

This change in the inner man begins with faith, faith in the promises of God and therefore faith in Jesus Christ because . . .
“. . . all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
And if we are seeking to be more and more like Christ, conformed to his image as a mature man, then that will include this.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things [his own wellbeing], but every man also on the things [the wellbeing] of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus . . .” (Philippians 2:3-5a)
In other words our faith is directed toward Christ, who left us an example.

The development of the inner man also includes a virtue that is added to faith, and virtue is best achieved by this . . .
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
When we are full of ourselves we become inconsiderate of others and we act like James describes . . .
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:1-3)
When we say we have to begin in the inner man this does not mean that our focus is on ourselves. Instead of being full of ourselves we must have a larger vision. Our meat and our drink must be to do God’s will and that is to establish his kingdom on the earth. This is how we are taught to pray in the Lord’s Prayer.
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:11)
And this is how we are directed to set our priorities.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
And this is what Jesus has given to us as our mission.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20)
And when we look back at those character traits listed in 2 Peter 1, we discover that they lead directly to establishing Christ's kingdom, too!
"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:11)
This vision is the foundation for having a lasting Family Legacy.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Wife's Contribution to the Family Legacy

Proverbs 14
1. Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

The first thing we should notice from this text is that the wife is a major contributor to the success of a Family Legacy. Any husband that thinks he does it all and that his wife is just along for the ride thinks foolishly. But didn’t God plan it this way from the beginning?
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:26-27)
Here we see in verse 27 that when God created man in his own image he meant mankind – male and female together. It is male and female working together to whom God has given dominion. Therefore the husband and wife must work as a team to build their Family Legacy, and the purpose of that Family Legacy is dominion.

How does the wise woman build her house? One of the main ways is by teaching her children wisdom. Isn’t that what this book has been saying all along?
“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion . . . My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:1-4, 8-9)
And what is the beginning of this wisdom?
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
This is why David could say in Psalm 119:99.
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.”
If we desire our children to have greater success than ourselves, then they must get more wisdom than we have. Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice, did it correctly.
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Scorner Destroys a Family Legacy

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Scorner – what an ugly word. Here is how Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines scorn.
Extreme contempt; that disdain which springs from a person’s opinion of the meanness [lowliness, ordinariness] of an object, and a consciousness or belief of his own superiority or worth.
Now think how ugly it is for a son to treat his father and his father’s instruction with scorn when his father’s only desire is for his son’s good.

Now it is important to distinguish between a scorner who expresses his contempt out of his own misguided high opinion of himself (his opinion of himself is a constant and therefore his contempt is indiscriminate) and a person who expresses contempt for that which is truly contemptible (by God’s definition). For example the Psalmist has the highest praise for this man.
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” (Psalm 15:4)


But today's text speaks of a scorner and contrasts it with a wise son, such as Solomon, who was a wise son under the instruction of his father, King David.
“For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” (Proverbs 4:3-4)
But as we noticed in yesterday’s blog post, the scorner is like an animal in his lack of understanding.
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs 12:1)
“A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)
Here’s how Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines prudent.
Cautious; circumspect; practically wise; careful of the consequences of enterprises, measures or actions; cautious not to act when the end is of doubtful utility, or probably impracticable.
Now what could be more necessary in the building of a successful Family Legacy than prudence? In fact, scornful disregard for reproof and instruction is a sure way to destroy a Family Legacy.
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” (Proverbs 15:10)
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Proverbs 29:1)
So if you want your Family Legacy to be fruitful and enduring, then do this.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A Family Legacy and Brute Beasts

Proverbs 12:1
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

This proverb states a love/hate contrast and it compares all those who hate instruction, knowledge and reproof with brute beasts or animals. But what does that mean? Animals can be trained, can’t they? Do you know why they shoot horses when they break a leg? Can’t they just put the leg in a cast until it heals like they would with you and me? No, a horse will beat the cast off and will not allow itself to be restrained so that its leg will heal. It is similar with a dog with a broken leg. The dog will continually work at the cast until it is chewed off. But we don't shoot dogs with broken legs. We put an Elizabethan collar on them – so they can’t get to their leg. This is also necessary if they have a sore on their ear or head that won’t heal because they keep scratching it.

Now you might wonder why it’s called an Elizabethan collar. Here is a picture of Queen Elizabeth I.

There, does that explain it? Now I don’t think Queen Elizabeth’s collar was intended to keep her from scratching her ear (although it may have prevented that), but you can see the similarity.

The point here is that while animals must be trained by their responding to immediate rewards and punishments, people can be reasoned with because they can see the long-range consequences of the things they are doing. When you can’t reason with people, whether they are children or adults, then they are acting like brute beasts and they are trained with immediate rewards and punishments. The Scriptures often make this kind of comparison.
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.” (Psalm 32:8-10)
“A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.” (Proverbs 26:3)
Now often we interpret the fool as an immoral or rebellious person, but sometimes it just means immature. For example, immaturity is the nature of children.
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)
But as children grow up they become increasing aware of the long term consequences of their actions and can and should be reasoned with first. The objective is that when the children become adults they no longer think and act like children but are self directing in their pursuit of instruction and knowledge – and even reproof.

Note here in our text that instruction, knowledge and reproof are grouped together. We tend to think of reproof as something to avoid, but the Scriptures say this.
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” (Prov 9:8)
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head . . .” (Psa 141:5a)
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:” (Proverbs 6:23)
So in building a Family Legacy children need to submit to, embrace and love the instruction and reproofs of their parents as the way of life and parents needs to recognize that it is the commandments and law of the Lord that is light and always direct their children toward those.

Monday, January 11, 2010

A Family Legacy that Promotes Justice

Proverbs 11 begins with false balances and just weights. Do you think he might be talking about being a good gymnast with good balance who is fit and trim? No, I don’t think so. A balance is a scale for weighing things like the one shown in this picture. It consists of two baskets suspended from two equal length arms that pivot like a teeter-totter. In one basket is placed the product being sold. In the other basket are added standard weights until everything balances (the arm holding the baskets is horizontal). Now this kind of scale is hardly ever used these days. But we all know what a scale is and it does the same thing as a balance. How would you feel if you went into a grocery store to buy a pound of hamburger but the scales were wrong and although they said the hamburger was one pound, it was really a lot less. You would have felt cheated – and you would have been cheated!

Just balances and weights are all about justice. The lady holding this balance has a long history in Western Culture. She is called Lady Justice. A statue of her is often seen in a courthouse where judgments are supposed to be just and right. Do you see that she has a blindfold over her eyes? This is because when courts make just judgments they are supposed to be impartial and not favor one person over another. In other words, justice is supposed to be blind to the people it is judging.

So what does this have to do with a Family Legacy? Several things. First, a lasting Family Legacy must be built on honest dealings with others. And second, families must promote a larger culture of justice. Many countries in the world that are poor, are poor because there is no rule of law in the society and it is filled with corruption. This kind of widespread lawlessness undermines free trade and makes it difficult for any family to prosper. So how is a Family Legacy going to make a difference in the culture? In four ways:
1. By praying as Jesus taught us, that even as God’s will is done perfectly in heaven, so it would be done as perfectly on earth. (When we pray according to God’s will, it will be answered.)
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
2. By praying as the Apostle Paul taught us, that while we might not yet see that perfect righteousness on the earth, we pray that the rulers of this world would be restrained so that we can practice that righteousness ourselves.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2: 1-3)
3. By practicing that righteousness by doing good works publicly (not just privately) to be seen of men (that's what the text says) to the glory of God, not our own glory.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
4. And finally, by discipling the nations and with it teaching them obedience to God.
“Go ye therefore, and teach [disciple] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 18:19-20)
You can see here that the Great Commission gives feet to that for which we pray in the Lord's Prayer. Therefore just weights and measures are not just about us; they are about changing the world for the glory of God. Building a Family Legacy gives us a vision for something larger than us – the kingdom of God on the earth.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Gladness of a Family Legacy

Chapter 10 begins a new section of the Book of Proverbs titled The Proverbs of Solomon. This does not mean that those in the first section are not proverbs, but rather that the form in which the proverbs are presented has changed. The first nine chapters set forth in continuous discourse the nature and value of wisdom. Beginning with chapter 10 and proceeding through most of the rest of the book this wisdom is presented as short pithy statements that we more commonly call proverbs.

It is significant that the first verse of this section continues a theme emphasized throughout the first section – the relationship of parents to children. This relationship is critical in developing a Family Legacy and the main objective is not lands and houses, money and possessions, but wisdom. We read this as the whole purpose of this book in Proverbs 1:2.
“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”
And the parents play an important role in fulfilling this purpose according to Proverbs 1:8.
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:”
What is this instruction? One part of it is training per Proverbs 22:6.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Another part of it is reproof or correction even to the point of corporal punishment, if necessary, as Proverbs 29:15 tells us.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
We are told many times in the Proverbs that when this wisdom is achieved it brings not shame, but gladness and rejoicing.
“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” (Proverbs15:20)
“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.” (Proverbs 23:15-16)
“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” (Proverbs 23:24-25)
A person can fail in many ways in his life but if he achieves and sees wisdom in his children, it removes his reproach.
“My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.” (Proverbs 27:11)
But while we nurture and we admonish our children we must understand that it is the Lord’s nurture and admonition that gives our children wisdom and not our own.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
This means that we have achieved success when they seek for themselves to please God and to obey His word. This is what establishes a godly legacy that can be carried into the future and makes Psalm 77:3 true.
“ Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Family Legacy that Wisdom Builds

In Proverbs chapter nine we have another or a continued personification of wisdom. Wisdom here, still presented as a woman, is now a successful and prosperous woman who has prepared a feast for those who are simple and desire wisdom. What does this Wisdom say about building a Family Legacy? Many things. First, she builds a house, but house can have a double meaning. The seven pillars indicate an impressive building, but house can also refer to household such as Jacob’s house of 70 people in Genesis 46:27 that also included his servants. This woman of wisdom has many servant maidens like Jacob that she can send out to bring people to her feast. Second, besides having a house that can hold many guests and a household that can serve them, she also has the provision for a great feast. This provision indicates the productivity and labor necessary to afford it and the careful planning to put it all together. Finally this Wisdom is a picture of a selfless generosity that desires to share that with which she has been blessed with others. There is no selfishness or stinginess here. But notice what is being shared. While it is described as bread and wine these are again just figures of speech for wisdom and understanding. And notice with whom she is sharing it, the simple and foolish. Now simple and foolish does not mean stupid and immoral. It means ignorant and immature in this instance. There are simple and foolish people who are scornful and wicked but in this text these are contrasted with those in verses seven and eight. These simple and foolish people are willing to submit to instruction and correction.

Isn’t this house that Wisdom built a beautiful picture of a Family Legacy? A Family Legacy that prospers but doesn’t keep and consume its prosperity on itself but rather uses it for the benefit of others. Neither does it throw money and benefits at perceived problems but rather seeks to instruct the people who are helped so that they through their wisdom can help themselves and others. It is as the ancient proverb says. “Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.”

Friday, January 8, 2010

Wisdom and Godliness

In Chapter eight we have Wisdom used as a poetic device called personification. Personification is a figure of speech where ideas are represented as a person with attributes of personality and human characteristics. Wisdom in chapter eight sounds like a person calling out to us and there is a debate among commentators on whether this wisdom is presented as an attribute of God or is this Wisdom really Jesus? One commentator begins by saying that this Wisdom is “the voice of the Son of God.” Now I have no problem with this interpretation and I have even capitalized Wisdom to support this idea, but this same commentator goes on to say that this Wisdom describes “not an attribute, but a Person.” Now here is the problem. Some would so emphasize Wisdom as being Someone we must know that they tend to deny that wisdom is something that should characterize us and our actions. Others would so emphasize that wisdom is only an attribute in this chapter that they would lose sight of the fact that we gain this attribute of wisdom through a Person, Jesus Christ. We must be careful to hold both.

When we substitute Jesus for the words wisdom and understanding where those words are used in the first person we find that the chapter makes complete sense. Go ahead and read the chapter that way. Jesus is all of these things. Now substitute the word godliness in the same way for the words wisdom and understanding. It still makes sense when you read it with this emphasis on wisdom as an attribute like godlines. One substitution emphasizes the person of Jesus while the other emphasizes the attribute of godliness.

There is a reason both of these word substitutions work well and we find the beginning of the explanation in Genesis 1:26.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
We were made in the image of God for the purpose of exercising dominion. This exercising of dominion under God is called godliness. But Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden and lost his dominion under God by obeying Satan. So now all the descendants of Adam still exercise dominion (they retain the image of God) but they do it in service to Satan. This exercise of dominion under Satan is called ungodliness. This is not complicated. But Jesus as the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45-47) exercised godliness (godly dominion) and destroyed the works of Satan according to Hebrews 2:14-15.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
It was by Jesus death and resurrection that Satan is defeated and we through faith are made free to now exercise godliness (godly dominion). We exercise godliness when we are more conformed to the image of God’s Son – when we become more like Jesus as we are told in Romans 8:28-29.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Now wisdom as the activity of God in Proverbs eight is godliness. And Jesus as the express image of God is godliness. And we as we become more like Jesus through faith gain true wisdom and exercise godly dominion.
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

The Importance of Being Earnest

The first four verses of chapter seven are saying the same thing each time with a different illustration. The first part of each verse speaks of the outward actions and the second part of each verse addresses the internal heart affections and desires.

The word keep used in verses one and two means to guard. But this keeping is not like the keeping of prisoners so they do not escape. It is more like the keeping of sheep in the sense of promoting their wellbeing. Wise words and commandments call for action, not passive acceptance, and this kind of action is only possible when the commandment and law is cherished. This cherishing is what it means to lay them up, not in the sense of putting them on a shelf but in the sense of holding them close to your body in an embrace. But what is the apple of the eye? It is the pupil of your eye, the black dot of your eye that receives the light and through which you see. How quickly do your eyes blink when something approaches them? How careful are you to protect your eyes from harm? The words and commandments of wisdom should be as important to you as your eyesight.

How do we bind words and commandments and laws on our fingers? Do we do it by wearing rings and bracelets that contain God’s commandments? No, it doesn’t mean that. It means that the wisdom of God’s words guides our actions. Does writing them on our hearts mean that we should have open-heart surgery so that the surgeon can tattoo them on our heart? Of course not! It means we should hold them dear and cherish them in our heart. They should be our heart’s desire.

Finally, verse four reinforces how we should cherish wisdom’s words, commandments and laws as we would our own sisters. What is the action in verse four? It is this. Our attitude and actions towards wisdom’s words, commandments and laws should not be only a silent witness, but we must be willing to speak of them and declare our affection for them and commitment to them.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Evaluating and Avoiding Risk

The father, after warning his son about strange women in chapter five, now warns him about friends in chapter six. A surety is like a person who cosigns for a loan and in this case it would mean if your friend can’t pay the money back then you promise to do so. You should immediately see that this could create real problems and strains on ones friendship. The caution here is in evaluating the risks when binding ones self to fulfill the obligations of others (and not just monetary obligations). Some things to take into consideration include:
1. What is your relationship to this friend? Proverbs 18:24 tells us:
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

All friends require a degree of commitment but there are friends who are like members of the family and then there are friends who are acquaintances whom we don’t know well. This appears to be the case here because he is compared to a stranger.
2. How reliable is this friend? If you are cosigning for his loan is it probable that you will kiss the money good-bye? Are you willing to do this or will it destroy your friendship?
3. What is the nature of the risk to you? If your friend defaults on his obligation and you do have to cover for him, will it ruin you? Will it cause you to fail to keep your own obligations to others?

Do you see that taking on this kind of risk and obligation could destroy a family legacy? The father’s warning in this circumstance is strong words. Removing yourself from this risk is more important than sleep. Do not delay. Swallowing your pride is more important than passively accepting the risk. He likens it to the life and death of an animal being taken in the hunt. How much better it is to never get into this situation. There are other ways help our friends who are in need and they are summarized in Ephesians 4:28.
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

We need to be diligent and productive so that we can help others out of our abundance.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Fastest Way to Destroy a Family Legacy

Building a strong family is essential for building a family legacy for future generations, therefore an attack on the family destroys the very foundation for that legacy. Proverbs chapter five addresses the threat of the strange woman and adultery. This was a very great danger to young men when it was written 3000 years ago and it remains a great threat to young men today especially in the sexually charged culture in which we live. Verse two makes it clear that the young man’s actions and words must always be discrete, in other words they must not encourage inappropriate advances. This kind of woman can know all the tricks for seducing; especially young men who are inexperienced at resisting her charms – and she presents herself as charming, pleasant and desirable. Here the father seeks to make it clear that the ultimate destination is bitterness and death; very different from the pleasant appearance of the path. One of the peculiar dangers for young men is to think that they are clever, know it all and are invincible. But take it from the older, wiser father, according to verse six you will not be able to figure her out or out maneuver her. The only safe course is to stay away from that kind of woman and avoid indiscrete words and actions that would encourage that kind of advance. In Genesis 39 Joseph was put in this very situation by his master’s wife. She tried to seduce him and even grabbed his clothes. Joseph’s only recourse was to run from her as fast as he could. That is the example of Joseph, the instruction here in verse eight and the instruction in 2 Timothy 2:22.
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
The danger is not just out there in this other woman. The danger is also within our own hearts. Do we desire the strange woman? Do we encourage lustful thoughts? Often we are our own worst enemy and that is also why the older and wiser father warns the son to run. The answer in controlling our own heart, thoughts and desires according to 2 Timothy is not to say to ourselves, “I must not think about her, I must not think about that,” but rather to fill our mind with the good things of the kingdom of God like righteousness, faith, charity, peace, and a pure heart.”