The Pliability of Youth
I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day-
And as my fingers pressed it, still
It moved and yielded to my will.
I came again when days were past
The bit of clay was hard at last.
The form I gave it, still it bore,
And I could change that form no more!
I took a piece of living clay,
And gently fashioned it day by day,
And molded with my power and art
A young child's soft and yielding heart.
I came again when years were gone:
It was a man I looked upon.
He still that early impress bore,
And I could fashion it no more.
- Author Unknown
I came across this little poem years ago and each time I read it, I am reminded of the pliability of youth. God did a wonderful thing when he made a child’s heart pliable. The word “pliable” means: Flexible in disposition; readily yielding to moral influence, arguments, persuasion or discipline; as a pliable youth. (WEBSTER’S 1828) When Jesus described the attitude necessary for entering His kingdom; he used the pliable nature of a child as the benchmark. (MATTHEW 18:3-4) How should a parent respond to this?
Recognize Potential – Jesus rebuked the disciples when they forbade the children to come to Him because He knew the power of impacting the youth. Parents, if you have little ones at home, they are as teachable now as they will ever be. God has given them a hunger to learn and they are looking to you. Pour your life into them. The formative years are crucial; there is no time to waste.
Emphasize Principle – Jesus taught his disciples to live by the principles set forth in the Scriptures. It’s not a list of do’s and don’ts. Wisdom is the principle thing. Wise is the dad and mom who parents according to God’s principles.
Maximize Practice – Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He embodied the principles of life and lived them out for the entire world to see. Show your kids how to live; everything you do and say is habit forming. Your example is crucial because much more is caught than taught. But don’t stop there – they need to do it too!