PROVERBS 29:21
“He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.”
KEYWORD: The man who refuses to allow someone remain in ignorance and chooses instead to guide, teach, and develop that person is planting a seed that can produce great results in the future.
The act of raising up a child and instilling in him values that will make him a worthy addition to society has always been a delicate responsibility that must not be taken for granted. Some parents think it is only food, shelter, and clothing that a child requires. Some leave the responsibility of training entirely to schools and yet fail to deliberately cultivate that child to think rightly and soundly. They do not introduce God’s principles that ensure a child’s heart is grounded on truth and protected from believing the lies that are so prevalent in the world today.
When you read the opening scripture and realize that it was not even referring to a man’s biological son, you understand that God is not limiting the godly influence you can have in the lives of the children and people around you. It says that a man who raises up his servant from childhood shall eventually have him become like a son. The man who refuses to allow someone remain in ignorance and chooses instead to guide, teach, and develop that person is planting a seed that can produce great results in the future.
This reminds us of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant who managed all that Abraham had. Although Scripture does not specifically tell us how he was raised, we see evidence of the values and trust that Abraham placed in him through the responsibility he was given. When Abraham sent him to find a wife for Isaac, Eliezer approached the assignment with prayer, wisdom, and dependence on God. The character he displayed showed that he had been shaped into a responsible and trustworthy servant.
If Abraham had ignored the importance of developing those around him, could someone like Eliezer have been prepared for such a delicate assignment? Today, many of you have been given opportunities to influence younger ones, children, servants, or people around you. Do not hold back and ignore that responsibility. Step up and become a worthy example that reflects God’s ways. Shalom!
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I refuse to take for granted the responsibility and influence You have entrusted to me today. Help me to walk consciously of the privilege You have given me to raise and guide people in the light of Your word. Help me to be a worthy example in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
GENESIS 15:2
“And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?”
GENESIS 24:2-3
“And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:”
