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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
What Does It Take To Get Your Attention? You would probably say, 'Not much, I listen pretty well'. Would mom and dad agree? Before you get mad, let me say you're both probably right. You undoubtedly listen more than you let on and as parents we might possibly over-state our case because we're not sure you are.
Is that an attempt to impose our will, deprive you of fun and force you to be what we want you to be? NO! It's because we love you so very much, because we're scared - about you and for you. We want the absolute best for you! Always before, we could steer you clear, right the wrong, fix the hurt and make up the difference. Now, as you head off to school as Freshmen or return as upper classmen, we can't do some of those things. We can help some if you allow us to, we can do some demanding if you force us to, but to a larger extent than ever before you're on your own. For good or bad - better or worse - you will be making decisions on a daily basis you've never made before; facing opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls you've never even imagined. It's an exciting and scary time for all of us. You've been taught well; at home, church, and school. Continue to study the Word as well as your homework assignments and listen! You will do well, you will make mistakes; but if you are willing to listen, they will be manageable. Listen to who? Your parents as they visit you in remembered instruction and tearful cautions, your teachers and preacher in recollected classroom and sanctuary lectures and sermons, your God as he speaks to you through the Word. The Book of Proverbs assures us that, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
You have to be willing to listen on purpose though; and then heed what you hear and act accordingly. A classic example of this need to purposefully listen is found in a story concerning Elijah, from the Old Testament. Elijah had just experienced great success and to his dismay, a few defeats and confusing circumstances. In other words, life! The problem was, he wasn't expecting the defeats and confusion and was discouraged by them. As is always the case when we truly turn to God for help, He provided for Elijah's physical well-being and directed him to a place of solitude. This offered him a chance to rest his body, calm his emotions and find peace spiritually. Elijah was removed from the confusion and distraction of the moment and there found God, who almost immediately asked him, "What are you doing here?"
He did this not to further confuse or disappoint Elijah, but to encourage him to focus on what it was he wanted, what he really needed, what he expected from God and what God expected from him. In the process, Elijah was witness to a whirlwind that tossed his surroundings about, to an earthquake that shook the ground beneath him and to a fierce fire that burned away the countryside. All typical ways he, and even we think of God; especially throughout the Old Testament. He often dealt with people through his spectacular power and strength; inspiring awe and obedience, challenging people to repent and rededicate. But this time, "God was not in them." Finally, a gentle whisper (NIV), or still small voice (KJ) came again asking, "What are you doing here?" If we had been there I think we would have heard in that gentle voice consolation, comfort, understanding, and yet a hint of challenge. 'What are you doing here? Why aren't you doing what you know to do? Let go of that which you don't understand, that which you can't resolve, and do what you know to do!'
We won't always understand all of life's difficulties or see clearly the Lord's working in what we are attempting to do. But we must keep on doing that which we do know and understand and wait expectantly to be shown (and gain further understanding for) the rest. Sometimes God had to deal with people through the thunder, wind, shifting earth, and fire because they wouldn't listen otherwise. He loved them enough to keep on trying to get their attention. Sometimes parents have to do the same; although we would rather use that still small voice. The question is - will you listen to it, making the louder stuff unnecessary?
When we say, 'Be good, be careful, act your age, remember how you were raised,' as you leave the house for the evening, it is with the realization that there is really only so much we can do now to guide and protect you on a daily basis. Even more so now as you prepare to enter into this new phase of your life on your own more than ever.
It is your mom and dad's way of wrapping that last little bit of love, concern, and maybe even protection about you as you walk through that door. This is done in the hope that maybe, when tempted to drive too fast or in countless other ways give in to peer pressure and indulge yourself in something equally as foolish or careless, the last words of caution you heard from the one's who love you most will be heard again by you, and you will be encouraged and enabled to turn from temptation, resist the pressure, to stand firm and strong. That gentle whisper or still small voice is the voice of love, not a nagging, restrictive, condemning, or judgmental voice trying to deny you joy and pleasure; rather it is one of concern and direction, born out of experience. A voice saying, 'I love you so much and can't possibly imagine my life without you. I can't bear the thought of you hurt or sick or living miserably as a result of faulty reasoning, poor decisions or bad choices. Go - knowing you are always in the thoughts and prayers of those who love you and listen for their still small voices.
An excellent character trait to develop now would be the ability to be quiet; find a place of restful, receptive peace - to help you really listen, perceive and understand. You need to not only listen to and recall the lessons of your parents, teachers, friends, and preacher; but most important of all, to God. Now is the time in your life to seek the Lord out for yourself, to get to know God on a personal level; not who everyone else says He is but who you find Him to be. Others' counsel can and will help lead you to Him, but you must make the investment in time and the commitment of life to follow Him yourself. There are times when you will need to go to God yet quit asking repeatedly for help and just be quiet and listen for an answer. Really listen! Turn the TV, radio, and tapes off, get your friends out, and go directly to God through His word and prayer. Search the scriptures for Him and you will more than likely find yourself as well. "Be still and know… God." (Psalm 46:10) Fail to do so, and you may very well have to experience the winds of turmoil, the confusion caused by the shifting ground of opinion and the changing expectations of the world, the searing fear of uncertainty and disappointment.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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