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Topic: Directions (02/02/04)
TITLE: COOKBOOKS AND CHILDREN By Linda Patrick 02/07/04 |
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By Linda Patrick
…bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:14
I like to cook. In my kitchen I have a sizable collection of cookbooks. I have old ones, new ones, thick ones, skinny ones, ones that have recipes for every imaginable dish, and ones that are very specialized. I have very modern Southern Living ones and I even have an old one for cooking on a wood burning cook stove.
I like what I cook to be delicious for my family and guests. So, in order for all my dishes to taste good, I have to have a recipe. A recipe gives me directions for making a particular dish. It gives me a list of ingredients and the exact amount needed. Then it gives very clear, step-by-step directions of how to mix those ingredients together. It also gives me the specific temperature at which to cook or bake the dish.
You see, I don’t go into my kitchen and begin to pull just whatever out of the pantry and refrigerator and dump it all into a pot. or baking dish without any thought to the process. Some ingredients just don’t work together. Can you imagine meatloaf with two cups of sugar and six ounces of chocolate chips added? (May be the way to get your 2 year old to eat meatloaf!). No, of course not. How about adding a packet of McCormick’s meatloaf seasoning to your chocolate chip cookie? I don’t think so.
Every dish I prepare comes with directions. But, most of what I prepare does not require me to go pull down a cookbook. I have been cooking for over 30 years now on a daily basis, most days I cook multiple dishes. So I have the directions memorized. They are very familiar to me.
Just as we need directions to prepare a tasty, delicious meal, we need directions for training and disciplining our children. God has given us a set of directions for us to use for that purpose, His Word, the Bible. I have heard the comment made that babies do not come with instructions. Oh, but they do. God’s Word gives us all the directions needed to raise our young ones.
The Bible does not tell us how to mix the formulas, but He does give us the directions to put into their bodies that which will make them grow healthy and strong. He gives us directions to seek out those around us who have walked this road before and has the wisdom to advise you. He gives us directions to what and how to teach our children… lessons for life, and lessons for salvation. And He gives us directions to teach our children of Him and how to enjoy Him.
Sometimes we feel lost on what next step to take with our children as they grow, or sometimes we even feel intimidated by them. There is no need to feel this way, we have all the instructions, all the directions, all the encouragement we need right there in God’s Word. Go to it when a new problem arises, just like going to a cookbook when you desire to make something new and special. Go to it often so you will become familiar with the His directions and memorize them just like the recipes you make the most often for your family.
What is the end results of a well thought out meal, after following the directions carefully? The aromas begin wafting throughout the house and you know something good is just about to be served. You sit at the table and the sight is enticing and beckoning. You are served and the taste is delicious and satisfying. You leave the table strong and filled.
What is the end results of a child brought up to obey, love, enjoy, and serve God? In your early teachings they begin to “smell” the aroma of a gentle, loving, sweet Lord. They anticipate sitting at God’s table every day, feeding on His Word, becoming satisfied and walking through life strong and healthy. God gives us food to live; He gives us Himself so that we may really live.