In the book of Proverbs, there are several references to youth that are coupled with challenging ultimatums. Having recently been a youth (some might even still consider me a youth), I recall the precarious balance of unclear emotions, aspirations, and growing pains. To that situation I call to attention the following verses from Proverbs 13:
1 A wise child accepts a parent's discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.
opening your mouth can ruin everything.
5 The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.
but the evil are misled by sin.
9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.
those who take advice are wise.
13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.
those who respect a command will succeed.
14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
associate with fools and get in trouble.
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
God teaches in scripture that children are to obey their parents. We know that though parents are not perfect, the Lord will guide those parents who are seeking His will for their children.
Generically, one might assume that the topic of Christ's resurrection (recorded in Mark 16) and Paul's instruction in chapters 2 and 3 of his letter to the Church at Philippi are not directly related to the aforementioned topic of youthful guidance. Here are a few comments about how I see these topics in tandem:
Speaking from my own personal experience, I know that as a youth I had many foolish thoughts in my head (Prov. 22:15). Fortunately for me, my parents are God fearing people who obey the Word and discipline their children. Of course, this implies that there is conflict (and sometimes often), but this is where we tie in to the Hope of Resurrection. You see, it was impossible for us to make it to Heaven on our own; that's why Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died on the Cross for the sin of every person in the world. Not only is it amazing that He sacrificed Himself for us, but by the power of the Spirit, God raised Him from the grave! Christ has conquered death through His obedience to the Father, so we have confident assurance that we will be raised to Life Eternally with Him in Heaven! But furthermore, this seemingly abstract theological doctrine can be extended practically to our daily living: it is impossible for a child to grow up to be a godly man or woman on their own, but by the Grace of God, through the work of the Holy Spirit in our life, He raises these spiritually dead lives to Life in Christ Jesus! Hence, through the "pain of death" ( i.e., discipline and obedience) we youth may be raised to walk a life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father and our biological parents.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending your Son to purchase our spiritual freedom and give us the Hope of Life with you. I thank you for your patience to work in our foolish hearts, and I thank you that your Holy Spirit is moving our hearts and refining us into holy people that Glorify your Name. Father, I ask you to give us wisdom and a willingness to listen to advice and obey. I pray for my brothers and sisters that they would honor and obey their parents so that they honor and obey You. Though it may be painful, I ask you to continue to discipline us in love to lead us along your path of righteousness. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
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