What happens when a 15 year old is moved away from his home. He was a royal descendant or from nobility. He is taken 500 miles from home and likely walked as a prisoner of war. Because he is smart and good looking he is offered the best of food and wine to go with training for a job in a palace.
Some teens might see this as a chance to do whatever they like.
Would he remember who he is? Would he hold to values that really matter? Would he live by truth?
The man is Daniel. He passes the test. We do not even know who his parents are. Possible they could have even been killed during the besiege of Jerusalem under the reign of King Jehoiakim. Daniel is offered things that were wrong according to the God of Israel. He risked his life to object. He asked permission to hold to these values. He requested a test in consideration of those who were training him. He watched God protect him.
This might be the whole goal of parenting. This fits the purpose of making disciples.
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. III John 1:4
All the conditions can change. Roles, jobs, finances can all change in life. Almost a for sure thing is that everything will not go the way you think it will. But will you know who you are no matter what changes around you?
So many teenagers crash. Too many step into patterns of self destruction.
Making disciples includes helping our children to be able to stand. It also must go beyond our family to offer help to people outside of our church and family. We should do this in the way that Jesus did. Helping people be able to walk in a way pleasing to God.
Looking to make disciple makers, this week.
