Parental Teaching

Daniel 5:12-17

¹² He did this because Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

 ¹³ So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? ¹⁴ I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. ¹⁵ The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. ¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

 ¹⁷ Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

So in verse 12, the queen tells King Belshazzar of Daniel, whom his father relied on to tell the meaning of his visions and dreams.  Wisely, the young king heeded her advice and brought Daniel in.  The king gave Daniel the same spiel about how he would be made third highest ruler in the kingdom if he could read the writing on the wall.  Apparently, this did not impress Daniel.  He told him to keep his gifts and reward others.  

So what motivated Daniel?  It wasn't riches or power.  I think it was just the satisfaction of following God's word.  As a child he was taught the importance that his family placed on God and following His teachings.  He truly took all that, kept it in his heart and lived his life through that.  As a parent, I feel so inadequate sometimes.  I am not doing justice to God or his teachings.  All I can do is keep trying.  I try to give advice when needed, to pray, to show my kids what God expects of me, but sometimes I am not sure they are listening. Then other times, they surprise me!  Those are the times I know I might be on the right track.  Teaching my kids that they do not have to be motivated by power or riches is a goal is hard.  But I keep at it.  I pray for them and pray that each day brings them closer to God and a personal relationship that I long for them to have with Him.  That's what God wants us to do.  Pray for each other and not expect anything in return.  It's not about what others give you, it's about storing your treasures in heaven, right?  That's what we are striving for.