Virtual Virtues
Introduction
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. —Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
As we look at the evolution of parenting, we must see that the common thread that was the foundation from generation to generation is what Proverbs calls the principal thing, and that is wisdom.
Generation Timeframe Defining Traits
Silent Generation “1928-1945 Ages 96-79”
Grew up during the Great Depression and World War II; known for discipline and conservative values.
Baby Boomers “1946-1964 Ages 78-60”
Experienced post-war prosperity; strong work ethic; witnessed social and economic changes.
Generation X “1965-1980 Ages 59-44”
First to grow up with computers; value independence and work-life balance.
Millennials “1981-1996 Ages 43-28”
Digital natives; came of age during the internet boom; globally connected.
Generation Z “1997-2012 Ages 27-12”
Born into advanced technology and social media; tech-savvy, socially conscious, entrepreneurial.
Generation Alpha “2013-Present Ages 11-0”
First generation born entirely in the 21st century; expected to be the most technologically immersed yet.
Nature =
For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. —Psalm 51:5 (NIV)
Nurture =
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. —1 Peter 2:9 NLT
Six W.I.S.D.O.M. Virtues to Enhance Parental Nurturing.
W-
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, —Psalm 95:6 (NIV)
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. —John 4:24 (NIV)
I-
3.Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. 4. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. —Proverbs 2:3-5 (NLT)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5 (NKJV)
3. S-
If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. —Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)
4. D-
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Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. —Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
5. O-
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. —Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
6. M-
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. —Ephesians 6:4(NLT)
Conclusion
3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. 4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. 5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. —Psalms 127:3-5
My Next Steps:
- Have a self-review of how effectively I am nurturing my child/children in wisdom.
- During this week, what skillful act can I do to strengthen the bond I have with my child/children without spending any money?