Family Treasures

Luke 2:46-52 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Mary kept these sayings in her heart.

The word “kept” is translated “treasured” in the NIV and other translations.

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

We treasure things that are precious.  It is ironic that this baby dedication is so close to the U. S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny Nebraska’s law against partial-birth abortion.  Anyone who has even human feelings abhors this repulsive procedure which is actually infanticide.  Our society does not consider life precious.  The newspaper today carries the story of a rock musician whose lyrics emphasize rape, drugs, murder and throat-slitting. His albums have sold in the millions of copies.  Our society does not consider life precious.

Jesus grew four ways:

1. Wisdom

2. Stature

3. Favor with God

4. Favor with Man

Somehow, I believe that the attitude of Mary provided the basis for the growth and maturity of Jesus.  Even though Jesus was God and the plan of God would have unfolded despite Mary’s performance, such is not the case with any other child.

When parents treasure the sayings of God’s Word, they provide the best possible atmosphere for good things to happen in the lives of their children.

Growth in wisdom:   You can and should teach your children right from wrong.  Their outlook on life will primarily be the outgrowth of their influence in the home.

Growth in stature:  Genetically based, but spiritual principles apply.  (Ritalin, neglect, abandonment) (The gov’t is now trying to make it easier for mothers to abandon their children and turn them over to the state.)

Growth in favor with God:  Consider your relationship with God precious.  Consider your relationship with the church precious.  Love, respect, forgiveness, obedience, faithfulness. All these things contribute the spiritual growth of children.

Growth in favor with man:  Love for others, the willingness to prefer your brother, camaraderie and fellowship all stem from the attitude of the home.  “My child can do no wrong.”  “Everybody always picks on my child.”  “Never criticize my child.”  These are attitudes that are meant to help but actually hurt the social development of a child. 

Some time ago, I drove around the old neighborhood.  (Ball field, cliffs, abandoned city waterworks, path to school, apartment complex where my grade school stood.)  These evoke nostalgic feelings, bittersweet pleasure. Why?  I realize now, those feelings grew out of my home environment.  The intangibles end up being much more important that the material things.  These family treasures are the best and most important things you can hand down.