Day 22: that the example of his parents would be God-honoring
“And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” –2 Chronicles 34:2
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign. He could look at two influences in his life and see two very different examples. His grandfather was a repentant Manasseh and his father was evil Amon who did not humble himself before the LORD. Which would he follow? The LORD got hold of his heart quickly and used him to root out idolatry throughout all the land of Israel. Our boys have many influences in their lives, as do we. When they look at our daily walk, what do they see? Do they see us sensitive to sin, loving our wives as Christ loved the church, meditating and applying God’s word in our lives, obeying scripture, working diligently as for the LORD, witnessing to the lost, dependent upon the Holy Spirit?
Lord, I know that children are a gracious reward from you. At the same time, they are like “arrows in the hand of a warrior”. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the task of raising my son in the discipline and instruction of the LORD. I need your wisdom, great discernment, and an abundance of love that you have continually showered on me. Lord, make my heart sensitive to your calling on my life, incline my son’s heart to follow my lead, as we walk in obedience together. Make me ever mindful of the precious God moments that can make you shine brighter and more real in his life. I don’t want to squander even one. In the name of my great Savior, Amen.
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Adam Atherton has been married to Deborah for 22 years. Their marriage has been blessed with two children, Stephen and Emily. Adam is a sinner saved by grace daily dependent upon the LORD.
