SQ in Action: Wisdom and Relational Skills

SQ Parenting is to view parenting through the lens of accumulated wisdom passed on from our ancient Fathers and Mothers.  We invited Solomon, the wise King who wrote and edited the wisdom literature called Proverbs, to be our guide and advisor.  We would gleam principles and values from this ancient text to rebuild our contemporary parenting practices.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Wise Solomon wrote to his progeny:

Proverbs 1:7-9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Soloman's parents are far from perfect.  In fact, he was born out of treachery.  He learned from his repentant parents and gain wisdom growing up in a not too perfect family.  Soloman desired his sons and daughters to grow up, fearing God.  To know this awesome God and experience his grandeur and majesty is the foundation of life.  Despite his imperfection, Soloman discharged his duty as a parent; he outlined the essential lessons as, firstly, to know and fear God. Secondly, to embrace wisdom for a good life.

The Hebrew word for the "fear" of the Lord is 'Yirah.' The word describes a sense of awe and respect in light of God's mighty and loving presence.  It is not the cringing terror but an immersed sacred experience in the presence of the wonderful Father God.

When we bring our children to the presence of Father God by examples (like answers to prayers) and by my stories (like sharing personal testimonies), we will together experience awe and respect.  We will begin the journey of "fearing God" and gaining wisdom for life challenges.  In our subsequent blogs, we will highlight different relational skills that will help our children experience the presence of Father God in their lives.

RELATIONAL SKILLS
You may download this list of 20 specific actions to build or rebuild healthy relationships with our youngsters.  We will apply it to our SQ parenting discussions and repeat it differently to help us develop an SQ approach to relating to our children.

http://www.search-institute.org/downloadable/DevRel_Framework-1-Pager-04-26-2017.pdf

THEY WON'T BE LOST
As you experience the awesome presence of Father God along with your children (the fear of the Lord), you may "Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old, they won’t be lost." (Proverbs 22:6, The Message).