by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Psalm 86:11
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”
“Do it because I said to do it.” The problem with this statement is that a young person grows up doing what they do because their parents or pastor told them to do it, and not because they know it is right. When a young person has been taught to do something because their authorities told them to do it without teaching them why they should do it, they will likely go another way when they see the inconsistencies in their authority. The biggest reason young people grow up choosing to live in the world is because they were never taught what God’s Word says. It is truly a teaching problem.
The psalmist says to the LORD, “Teach me thy way…” I believe His desire was to know why the LORD wanted him to live according to the rules and boundaries which were set up in the Scriptures. The word “teach” means, to educate, instruct, train or indoctrinate. This is the responsibility of a parent or spiritual leader. If a leader wants those whom they lead to continue serving the LORD, they need to fulfill their duty as a leader and teach them why they do what they do. Telling someone not to do something or to do something is not enough, they need to be educated or instructed where the Scriptures tell them to do right or wrong. People need to be trained (showing them how to do it) in the way of the LORD. They need to be indoctrinated, or continually reminded, in this way. There are three results if a parent or leader will do this.
First, as a result of being taught the LORD’s way the psalmist said, “I will walk in thy truth…” You will have a much easier time getting your children to do right if you will show them from the Scriptures why something is right or wrong. Don’t be the parent or spiritual leader who just tells people what to do, but show them from the Scriptures where they are supposed to do it. When they learn from the Scriptures what they are supposed to do, they won’t be so quick to leave truth when they see your inconsistencies. If you become the authority for truth instead of the Scriptures, those you lead will hate what you have taught them, even if it is right, when you do wrong or are inconsistent. Being a teacher of the LORD’s way will tremendously help those you lead to do right even when you struggle in those areas.
Second, teaching someone the LORD’s way will unite their heart to yours. The verse above says, “…unite my heart…” Teaching those you lead from the Scriptures what is right and wrong has a way of keeping a close fellowship with them. Teaching someone the way of the LORD means that you are doing that way together. Doing the LORD’s way together creates dialogue and a close relationship. If you feel someone you lead is distant from you, give more time to teaching them the LORD’s way. It will “unite” their heart to yours.
Third, teaching someone the LORD’s way results in their life glorifying the LORD. One day you will look back at those you invested in and will be pleased that you had a part in their life. The parent who took the time to teach their child is the pleased parent who sees their child continuing in the way of the LORD.
Friend, most of our problems with people going wayward is a teaching problem. Invest your time in teaching people the way of the LORD, and you will see better results of those you lead continuing to serve the LORD.