As I watched News 14 Carolina this morning, I was intrigued by their coverage of the Lynn Paddock trial. Lynn Paddock is the woman accused of suffocating her adopted son (Sean) and abusing her other children. My heart grieved as Paddock, her step- brothers and sisters, and the forensic psychologist agreed that she was a product of her upbringing. In other words, she did what she saw; she abused her children because her mother abused her.
I wonder if the same thing happened to Saul (who later became Paul). In this text, Saul was a bystander at the brutal murder of Stephen, GOD’S chosen vessel. In the next chapter, Saul begins persecuting the church. This text underscores today’s thought – our surroundings affect our soaring.
This recharge is a reminder of Solomon’s timeless advice – “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6, New Living Translation). The next generation will be shaped by their surroundings. Let’s make sure we encourage them to excel, not rebel.
Let YOUR light shine …