A Wolf hung about near a flock of sheep for a long time, but made no attempt to molest them. The Shepherd at first kept a sharp eye on him, for he naturally thought he meant mischief: but as time went by and the Wolf showed no inclination to meddle with the flock, he began to look upon him as more of a protector than as an enemy: and when one day some errand took him to the city, he felt no uneasiness at leaving the Wolf with the sheep. But as soon as his back was turned the Wolf attacked them and killed the greater number. When the Shepherd returned and saw the havoc he had wrought, he cried, “It serves me right for trusting my flock to a Wolf.”

– “The Wolf and the Shepherd”, a fable by Aesop

One solitary lapse of judgment. That’s all that was needed before the Wolf could make his move upon the Shepherd’s flock. Years of hard work, undone in mere moments. Precious lives wasted, never to be reclaimed. In hindsight, the Shepherd would have never left the Wolf alone with his sheep…had he seen all the warning signs. You might say that the “wool” had been pulled over the Shepherd’s eyes. He had fallaciously believed that the Wolf was one of their own…an ally… someone he could trust. That one lack of discretion cost him his livelihood.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. – Matthew 7:15

I have doubts that anyone reading this is a shepherd, in the literal sense of the word. However, metaphorically speaking, any parent joining us today who is still in the process of child-rearing is a shepherd – a guardian of lambs (more commonly called “children”).

Just like the shepherds of long-ago, it is our duty as parents to protect our “flock” from dangers. Yet many a parent, like the Shepherd in the fable, can neglect appropriate caution with who is allowed to “hang about” their lambs.

• Do you know (really know) your kids’ friends?
• Do you keep a watchful eye over your children’s activities?
• Do you weed out “woolly wolves” (wolves in sheep’s clothing)?

It’s never easy being “the bad guy”, limiting or even ending our child’s relationship with someone they care about. Yet sometimes we shepherds must stand our ground for the good of the flock. Imagine how different our fable might have ended up if Aesop’s Shepherd had shown the heart of a true guardian and been a little more aware of his sheep’s new “pal”! In much the same way, we can save ourselves from a world of sorrow and regret if we take our role as shepherds more seriously.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14

Have you unknowingly let a wolf hang about your flock? Furthermore, do you know how to spot these “woolly wolves”? Today we will learn three identifying characteristics to watch out for in your children’s companions.

The first identifying mark of woolly wolves is that they…

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(Note: Soma means “body” in Greek. We will use it here for the sake of alliteration) Your soma is how you relate to the world beneath you.

Are you a protector of your child’s physical body? A good shepherd would not stand idly by while a wolf chewed on his sheep, yet many a well-meaning parent has brushed off brutal bullying with the attitude of “rub some dirt in it. It builds character”. This is an “in” for woolly wolves.

Now there are your run-of-the-mill rowdy children, and then there are children who have a true tendency towards violence. It’s important to know the difference! A bit of roughhousing may be harmless, but be careful not to let it go too far in the name of toughening up your little guy or gal.

A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. – Proverbs 16:29

When I was a very small child, my parents owned a daycare. In addition to caring for several other children, my mom babysat a little boy who belonged to a newly single mother. The little boy seemed nice enough at first, until he started to exhibit some very odd behavior. Almost daily he would find some opportunity to coerce me away from the other kids and put a pounding on me! I had to have been about four years old, and he was about eight. He would pinch me, hit me, kick me…you name it. I was scared to death of this bully, whom I had never given reason for anger. I don’t remember much from my early childhood, but that boy is indelibly imprinted upon my mind. The strangest part about this boy’s behavior is that he would bring me gifts every single morning when he came back to the daycare. A flower he had picked me, a card he had made for me…accompanied by dramatic apologies and claims of his “love” for me. It was all so confusing for my little mind! Thankfully, after my mom had had about enough of this awkward charade, she talked to the boy’s mother about his dysfunctional behavior. His mother began weeping as she admitted to my mom that the boy’s father had been an abusive man who pulled the same antics in their home. Truly a heartbreaking revelation, but a necessary one. From there on out, my mom was diligent to keep me in her line of sight at all times around the boy. She wasn’t going to let a woolly wolf hurt her lamb.

Now did I mention that the little boy was a complete saint around my parents? They would never have guessed what a terror he was, had they not listened to my pleas for help after being alone with him one too many times. They might have brushed me aside and told me to grow up, but I shudder to think what might have eventually happened if they had taken that route. The Lord despises a careless shepherd…

Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! – Zechariah 11:17a

As I live, saith the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock…thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds. – Ezekiel 34:8,10a

Check your child…has their soma been hurt by a “friend”? As a parent, you are called to shepherd the soma. Weed out the woolly wolves!

The second identifying mark of woolly wolves is that they…

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Your soul is how you relate to the world around you.

Are you a protector of your child’s personality? A good shepherd would not stand idly by as a wolf showed his sheep how to squeeze through the fence, yet many a well-meaning parent has allowed their child to learn bad habits from unrestrained peers. This is an “in” for woolly wolves.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NASB)

It has been said that children are sponges. As a mother of two impressionable boys, I could not agree more! It’s just a fact that most children will pick up on the habits of their peers (whether good or bad) with lightning speed. That is why it is vital to help your children select friends whose family values are similar to yours.

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. – Proverbs 13:20

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. – Proverbs 28:7

Consider what kind of personality you desire for your child to have, and surround him/her with friends that will influence them. Do you want your child to be academic? Bring him to the local math club. Want her to be crafty and creative? Make friends that are in 4-H. Want him to be a nail-biter? Let him around the child who always has his fingers in his mouth. Want her to be a drama queen? Let her have lots of time playing with a little prima donna. In short, children will quickly mold to the behavior they are surrounded by, so make sure you like what you see!

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief… – Proverbs 10:23a

Children are by nature rather foolish (Proverbs 22:15a), but they can be trained (Proverbs 22:15b). We must direct their friendships if we want to see them thrive.

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. – Proverbs 14:7

It may not be “cool” for your child to hang out with goody-goodies, but in time he will learn to see the wisdom of choosing appropriate companions…

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. – Proverbs 19:1

Check your child…has their soul been harmed by a “friend”? As a parent, you are called to shepherd the soul. Weed out the woolly wolves!

The third identifying mark of woolly wolves is that they…

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Your spirit is how you relate to the world above you.

Are you a protector of your child’s piety? A good shepherd would not stand idly by while a wolf led all his sheep out of the fold and into the wolf pack, yet many a well-meaning parent has tolerated their child’s growing spirituality to be slowly traded in for a growing sinfulness. This is an “in” for woolly wolves.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? – Amos 3:3

One of my all-time favorite Disney movies is Pinocchio. I know, I know…it’s dark, scary, and all the things most children don’t particularly care for. Yet I’ve always liked the spiritual message this movie conveys…follow your conscience (in type, God), stay on the path of obedience, and someday you will be a “real” boy (or girl, as the case may be). Those of you who have seen the film know that all’s well that ends well, but it almost didn’t turn out that way. When Pinocchio got involved with an unruly companion, all sorts of things went terribly wrong. You remember “Lampwick”, don’t you? Here’s a quote from him:

“Ever been to Pleasure Island? Me neither, but they say it’s a swell joint! No school, no cops. You can tear the joint apart. And nobody says a word. Loaf around, plenty to eat, plenty to drink. And it’s all free!”

I won’t give away the details, but let’s just say Pinocchio almost became a goner in the presence of this foolish friend.

Bad companions have been wreaking havoc on our children from bible times, to the 1940’s era of Pinocchio, to today. It’s nothing new, but it’s still as serious as ever.

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. – Proverbs 4:14-16

This just hits the nail on the head, doesn’t it? Misery loves company, and a kid who hates their own spirit will hate your kid’s also. It’s not much fun being bad alone.

Like Pinocchio, not all children have the wisdom to see past a foolish friend. What they see is someone to have fun with, someone who’s nice and a riot to be around. This is where parents must step in as their child’s very own Jiminy Cricket and either severely limit or cut off the friendship.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. – Proverbs 1:10,15-16

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. – Proverbs 22:24-25

Check your child…has their spirit been hated by a “friend”? As a parent, you are called to shepherd the spirit. Weed out the woolly wolves!

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In conclusion…

One might argue that Christians are called to be salt and light to this fallen world…and in so saying, they would be right! Christians are indeed called to be salt and light, but children are not mentally equipped for the task. Young children do not have the skills to evangelize in the true sense of the word. If there is a child you (the parent) wish to be a positive influence over, then make that a priority. But I would strongly advise against allowing unhealthy bonds to be formed between your children and bad influences.

Remember: if your child’s friend hurts their soma, harms their soul, or hates their spirit, then it’s time to do some weeding! Your flock depends on you, Shepherd.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. – Proverbs 20:11

I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. – Psalm 119:63

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

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Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

“Talk, it’s only talk
Arguments, agreements, advice, answers
Articulate announcements
It’s only talk

Talk, it’s only talk
Babble, burble, banter
Bicker, bicker, bicker
Brouhaha, balderdash, ballyhoo
It’s only talk
Back talk

Talk talk talk, it’s only talk
Comments, cliches, commentary, controversy
Chatter, chit-chat, chit-chat, chit-chat
Conversation, contradiction, criticism
It’s only talk
Cheap talk

Talk, talk, it’s only talk
Debates, discussions
These are words with a D this time
Dialog, duologue, diatribe
Dissention, declamation
Double talk, double talk

Talk, talk, it’s all talk
Too much talk
Small talk
Talk that trash
Expressions, editorials
Explanations, exclamations, exaggerations
It’s all talk
Elephant talk
Elephant talk
Elephant talk”

– Elephant Talk by King Crimson

In 2007, Dr. Matthias Mehl of the University of Arizona, along with his team of psychological researchers, conducted a study on human behavior. They wanted to see how many words the average person spoke in a day. With the help of digital voice recorders which accompanied 396 test subjects (186 men and 210 women), it was found that the average man speaks 15,669 words per day, while the average woman speaks 16,215 words a day. That’s a whole lot of elephant talk!

We humans spend a significant amount of time talking on a day-to-day basis. As our whimsical song pointed out, talking varies in style from mundane, to sweet, to downright trashy. There are so many ways in which to use the yappers the Good Lord gave us. Are we using them rightly?

Today I would like to share with you four types of “T.A.L.K.” that are to be avoided in the life of a Christian. I believe you will quickly find that one who is “all T.A.L.K.” has “no walk” (with Christ, that is)! How will you and I utilize our 15,000+ words a day? Not one of our words should be:

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Tasteless words are defined as those “lacking in aesthetic judgment or to offend against what is regarded as appropriate behavior”. God’s word warns us to avoid tastelessness in our speech:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. – Ephesians 4:29

What exactly is corrupt communication, though? How do we know what is and is not tasteless? Is it up for personal interpretation? Is it what culture deems acceptable? Is it whatever keeps Grandma from grabbing her trusty bar of soap? This passage does not lay out specific guidelines for our speech! However, using the whole counsel of God will point out to us the tasteless words we are to avoid. Some we are all well aware of might include: lying, gossiping, complaining, taking the Lord’s name in vain, etc. Allow me to share with you three types of tasteless talk that may not be so well-known or apparent…

We all know about gossip, but do we know about whispering?

We read in Proverbs 16:28b: A whisperer separateth chief friends.

This verse paints a powerful word picture in my mind. A whisperer is one who quietly and cunningly puts doubts into others’ minds regarding people they care about. It’s a specialized kind of gossip…one not so loud and proud; but a little more mysterious, a little more shrewd. A gossip says, “I heard your husband had an affair! Is it true?”…a whisperer says, “Are you sure he is who he says he is? Just saying…”. A gossip says, “My goodness, hasn’t Mary gained weight!”…a whisperer says, “Haven’t you noticed she’s been so different since – well, I’d better not say any more…” Gossip and whispering are two sides of the same coin…both sins, both damaging to others. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that a bit of discreetly disguised gossip (whispering) is alright. It’s tasteless!

We all know about lying, but do we know about flattery?

Psalm 12:2 describes the ungodly this way: They speak vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

A liar is soon found out, as illustrated in the popular children’s tale about the boy who cried wolf. A flatterer is a bit harder to catch. To flatter is to lie, but with a focus not so much on the words you say, but the way you act. Flattery is when your public face doesn’t match up with your private face – when you’re an angel in the spotlight, but a devil behind closed doors. It may be easy to fool others, but God knows the truth. Leroy Brownlow once said, “I find power in purposing to be the things I seem and to do the things I deem”. May we have the same attitude, and kick flattery to the curb. It’s tasteless!

We all know about boasting, but do we know about glorying?

Heed these powerful words found in Jeremiah 9:23-24: Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Most of us aren’t so brazen as to brag noisily about all of our accomplishments…”I’m the best! Did you hear about that medal I won? I can lift a car with one finger! Care to kiss the royal muscles?” This sounds rather silly, something such as Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast might boast. No, the outlandish boasters are not the norm – it’s the glory-seekers that are a dime a dozen. We are glorying when we ever so slyly try to lead people to recognize our good qualities (of their own accord, we reason). It is glorying when we lavishly praise our kids, with the ulterior motive of getting an “‘atta girl” for our superior mothering. It is glorying when we sneak into conversation how work weary we are so that someone will take notice of our labor. It is glorying when we share recently read bible verses with others (not for fellowship or teaching), but to appear more spiritual than we really are. Let our glory be in the Lord, and not self-glory. It is tasteless!

“Talk, talk, it’s only talk” – or is it? Tasteless talkers are simply:

All T.A.L.K. No Walk.

How will you and I utilize our 15,000+ words a day? Not one of our words should be:

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Aimless words are defined as those “without purpose or direction”. God’s word warns us to avoid aimlessness in our speech:

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. – 2 Timothy 2:23

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. – 1 Timothy 1:4

The Lord has put in each of us a certain measure of inquisitiveness. With eternity in our hearts, we are fashioned to seek after knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. So are these verses implying that we are to be simpletons who never ask questions? Surely not, for Proverbs 4:7 exhorts us to get wisdom and understanding with all our getting! Notice the key words in the aforementioned passages: foolish…unlearned…fables…endless genealogies. In other words, don’t get in over your head chasing after all the secrets of the world – it will lead to trouble. Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat checking his food dish; it kills the one chowing down on dangerous substances not meant for him.

Here is a helpful test on whether our speech is profitable or aimless. In profitable conversations, where we are seeking the right kinds of information, we leave the conversation with knowledge and will be (at the very least) on the right path to finding answers. On the other hand, we leave aimless conversations with more questions and doubts than before. Aimless conversations only leave us confused, empty, and frustrated.

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury*. – Proverbs 14:23 (*poverty)

Some examples of aimless speech might include: political debates focused on policy rather than morality, conspiracy theories, heated arguments on Facebook, and the list goes on. Once we get involved in opinions and heresay, it’s hard to stop…

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! – James 3:5

When the tongue begins wagging over silly trifles, we need to grab hold of ourselves lest we are caught up in an uncontrollable wildfire. Let our inquisitive minds have aim after the Lord and His ways.

Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. – Psalm 131:1

“Talk, talk, it’s only talk” – or is it? Aimless talkers are simply:

All T.A.L.K. No Walk.

How will you and I utilize our 15,000+ words a day? Not one of our words should be:

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Limitless words are those defined as “without end, limit, or boundary”. God’s word warns us to avoid limitless speech:

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. – Proverbs 10:19

Are you cursed with the “gift” of gab? Need to know when to refrain the lips? Here are a few good reasons to keep quiet at intervals: to give ourselves over to wholesome thought and spiritual meditation, to avoid futile debate/casting our pearls before swine, to give the floor to those wiser than us that we might learn from them, to protect one’s family by means of careful discretion, to keep guard against falling into sins of the mouth such as gossiping or complaining, to steer clear of rash words spoken in anger, and this is only scratching the surface. The wise know the difference between “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b) Many times, the wisest thing to say is nothing at all.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. – Proverbs 21:23

Too much talking is prideful. When we fail to give others the chance to speak, it not only blocks us from learning new things, but sends the message that what we have to say is light-years beyond that of our peers! Limitless speech hinders our growth, and is grossly inconsiderate.

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. – Proverbs 29:11

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is a folly and shame unto him. – Proverbs 18:13

Let us never allow our mouths to speak faster than our consciences – reason is quickly left behind when the talk-box is on a roll…

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better. The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. – Ecclesiastes 10:11-13

“Talk, talk, it’s only talk” – or is it? Limitless talkers are simply:

All T.A.L.K. No Walk.

How will you and I utilize our 15,000+ words a day? Not one of our words should be:

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Kindless words are defined as those “exhibiting or feeling no kindness or compassion; heartless”. God’s word warns us to avoid kindless speech:

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. – James 3:13-16

Rarely have I ever come across someone who claims to love fighting. I have not heard someone say “I try my best to be negative and hard to get along with”. I’ve never met a person who proudly proclaims that anger and kindlessness gets their adrenaline pumping. Sure, I have met people who have been this person. As a matter of fact, I have been this person at times. I’ve just never met anyone honest enough to admit it.

The truth is, no one thinks that they’re kindless. We all want to believe we’re pretty nice people. It’s human nature to feel justified when we blow our top…after all, if other people didn’t push our buttons so much, we’d have nothing to get upset about! It’s other people that are the problem, right? It’s our circumstances that make us so bitter, negative, and irritable, right? Or so we think. Honestly, we’d probably be just as kindless with a different set of people and circumstances in our life, for it is “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34b). All the justifying in the world won’t change the root of the matter…kindlessness is our own heart issue.

Jonah was a man who was at times kindless. You know the account: His heart was so bitter toward the Ninevites, that he’d rather watch them burn than to see them repent. As he made himself comfy, preparing for the city to go down in flames; the Lord gave a gourd to shade Jonah’s head, then proceeded to remove said gourd. Jonah was livid – he became so distraught at this action that he even wished he was dead! The same guy who didn’t care a hill of beans about a city of God’s people perishing is devastated at his own small loss. Check out Jonah 4:9:

And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.

This passage makes me shudder. Imagine speaking so brazenly to the King of Kings! You know what’s scary, though? While unspoken, we have the same rotten attitude when we justify our own anger and kindlessness. When tempted to uncontrolled and unrighteous anger, try to picture God asking you the same question He asked Jonah. Let us not brazenly answer from our hearts, “I do well”. Rather, let us memorize these verses to call to mind in the heat of the moment. They will serve us well:

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. – Ecclesiastes 7:9

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. – James 1:20

“Talk, talk, it’s only talk” – or is it? Kindless talkers are simply:

All T.A.L.K. No Walk.

How will you and I utilize our 15,000+ words a day?

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In conclusion…

How we use our 15,000+ words a day will, in part, determine our destiny. Remember: All T.A.L.K. = No Walk. Let us heed the warning of James 1:26:

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

We must each think before we speak, “Are any of my words…

Tasteless?
Aimless?
Limitless?
Kindless?”

We may find ourselves struck silent at times, and that’s not a bad thing.

Friends, today is the day to redeem our words for God’s glory. May the prayer of our hearts match that of David’s, who said:

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

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Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.

Multiplication is vexation,
Division is as bad;
The Rule of Three doth puzzle me,
And Practice drives me mad.
– John Napier

Ah yes, Mr. Napier. My son and I feel your pain on a quite personal level. We could have easily authored this rhyme a week ago as we practiced mathematical graphing in our classroom…

Maybe he was feeling a little stubborn. Perhaps my explanations were not clear enough. Or did the stars fail to align just right over us on that fateful day? (I kid, of course) Whatever the case may have been, the lesson concepts at hand that day were not breaking through to my boy.

Before us lay a straight line grid akin to the board of the classic game, Battleship. We had studied out the concepts together, practiced lining up the numbers, pored over real life examples. We were getting on quite swimmingly…until IT hit. Mental block. A teacher’s worst enemy.

I asked him to tell me the two corresponding numbers that met at a certain point. He replied:

“One and three”

“You are very close, but one of your two numbers is incorrect. Let’s try again”

He is silent for a moment, then repeats: “One and three”

“No Silly, you just said that. Now look closer. There is a line all the way to the three, yes. But is there a line all the way to the one?”

“Well, no…but I’m sure the answer is one and three, Mom”

“Buddy, remember that game, Battleship, that you’re so good at? This is just like that game! I know you can do this. Take your finger and follow the lines away from the point. What two numbers are at the end of those lines?”

“One and three”

Now at this point I was feeling slightly like banging my head into a brick wall, but trying to keep my composure. The same sort of maddening dialogue carried on for a little while as I tried every prompt imaginable to bring him to the right conclusion. (Short of flat out giving him the answer – which would remove our momentary stress, but keep me from my long-term goal of training him to think with high logic and deductive reasoning skills).

Finally, after what seemed ten light years later…

“Ohhhhhhhh…I GET IT, MOM!! That point’s not on the one and three, that’s on the zero and three!”

“Yes, that is correct!” I cry in relief, (then raise my eyebrows knowingly)…”I tried to tell you that one of your numbers was incorrect, Little Man”

“I know you did, Momma. I’m sorry…” he admits sheepishly. “I just had the number ‘one’ stuck in my mind and I couldn’t get it out!”

One of the greatest blessings of being a home educator is the right to share spiritual truth in the classroom; this was a teaching moment I could not pass up. I explained to my son that God’s word is a lot like math…full of definitive answers. Although we may at times think we’re smarter than the book, the book will win every time. The rules of arithmetic are unshakable, and not up for personal interpretation…and how much more is this true of the Bible. The trick is not to get stuck on what we think is the right answer, but to always double check that we are indeed believing truth.

Now at the end of the day, math alone isn’t the most important thing on earth. The primary purpose of Christian education is gaining the spiritual knowledge that earthly knowledge points to. The truth is, I don’t really care if my sons grow up to be the world’s greatest mathematicians. Rather, my goal is to raise up Sum Solving Sleuths…detectives of the Word…truth seekers. Every equation solved can lend spiritual application for their future…even on those days when “practice drives us mad”.

• Have you ever tried to fight “The Book”?
• Have you ever had an error “stuck in your mind”?
• Have you ever closed your ears to an adviser’s “tips and tricks” for fear of admitting failure?

Today I want to share with you three steps to becoming a Sum Solving Sleuth. In fact, these simple tricks might even help you solve some math problems as well…

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I love watching detective shows with my husband. Give us a good “whodunit” episode and a bowl of popcorn and we’ll get so involved we come out feeling like a regular Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick, Watson. If you’ve seen such programs, you’re undoubtedly familiar with this classic phrase: “return to the scene of the crime”. It’s something criminals do in many cases, but think about it…it’s actually something detectives do in all cases! Detectives are called to the scene of the crime to assess the situation; to see what the common eye missed the first time around. Return. Reconsider. Rewind.

• Every successful detective must learn how to rewind. In crime solving, it’s essential to start from square one. Detectives must gather all evidence from beginning to end, lest vital information be lost.

• Every successful mathematician must learn how to rewind. In arithmetic, it’s necessary to go back and re-read directions. Mathematicians must make sure they have followed the correct formula for their equations, lest one misstep in the process deem an entire page erroneous.

• Every successful Sum Solving Sleuth must learn how to rewind. In Christianity, it’s imperative to revisit scriptures we think we’ve got all figured out. Sum Solving Sleuths must leave their preconceived notions at the door, lest they be blindfolded by the father of lies.

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. – Isaiah 1:3

Do you have a desire to know the Lord in sincerity? Approach scripture as if you’ve never read it before, no matter how familiar. Clear your mind of what you think you know and let the Living Word speak for itself afresh each time you read. Humans make mistakes. We get confused. We misunderstand. As the old Blockbuster movies used to say, “please be kind, rewind“. This is the greatest kindness one might give themselves. Our relationship with the Lord is too all-important to stake our future with Him on “I thought I knew”.

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. – Job 42:5

If you want to be a detective, learn how to return to the scene of the crime. If you want to be a mathematician, learn how to re-read the directions. If you want to be a Sum Solving Sleuth, learn how to re-check Scripture. Please be kind, rewind.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. – 1 Peter 2:2

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In murder mysteries, everyone is a suspect. A detective can not have bias or make assumptions when meeting with suspects, but treat all equally. Everyone is either innocent until proven guilty, or guilty until proven innocent. Colonel Mustard may seem more menacing, but could the culprit in fact be the sweet, unassuming, Mrs. White? A detective won’t make that call until he’s uncovered all the details. Things are not always as they seem.

• Every detective must learn how to open their mind. In crime solving, a closed mind does not lead to a closed case. Detectives must follow the ABC mantra of British crime scene manager, John Cockram – “Assume nothing. Believe nobody. Check everything.”

• Every mathematician must learn how to open their mind. In arithmetic, it’s helpful to think outside the box. Mathematicians must often use a variety of methods before their “light bulb” switches on.

• Every Sum Solving Sleuth must learn how to open their mind. In Christianity, humility keeps the mind malleable for the Lord. Sum Solving Sleuths recognize that there is often more than one way of perceiving God’s words.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. – John 5:39

The Pharisees were so closed minded that they could not see the forest for the trees. Here was the Messiah that they had read about all their lives, standing before them in the flesh, and still they did not recognize Him. They had our rewinding down pat…they had read the scriptures again and again. How could they miss the truth? They failed to open their minds. They had read, but they had not truly studied. That is to say, they had not considered any possibilities outside of their own narrow scope. They saw what they wanted to see. Do we not often make the same grave mistake? We need to stop putting our own spin on scripture, and start letting scripture put it’s own spin on us. Always be open to the possibility of being proved wrong.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways. – Isaiah 55:8-9

If you want to be a detective, learn how to consider every suspect. If you want to be a mathematician, learn how to incorporate a variety of methods. If you want to be a Sum Solving Sleuth, learn how to see passages in a new light. Open your mind.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. – Psalm 119:18

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Sleuthing gets really exciting when the case nears its close. Sure, it’s fun to watch detectives gather evidence (rewind), and curiosity builds even more as they talk to suspects and mull over all the possibilities (open your mind), but when the culprit is caught and justice wins (seek and find) the thrill reaches new heights. “Who’s it going to be?”…”What’s going to happen?”

• Every detective must learn how to seek and find. In crime solving, you can rewind and open your mind all day long, but it won’t amount to much if no one actually goes out out and nabs the criminal. Detectives must help finish the job they set out to do.

• Every mathematician must learn how to seek and find. In arithmetic, a partial answer is no better than a non-answer. Mathematicians must work each problem to completion in order for it to be accurate.

• Every Sum Solving Sleuth must learn how to seek and find. In Christianity, many go back to basics and consider the truth, but shun it when it doesn’t match up with their lifestyle and desires. Sum Solving Sleuths must accept and obey the truth – if they would be victorious.

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. – Psalm 10:4

Pride and personal cost can blind people from seeing facts. The detective who finds out his friend was involved in a murder may not be quick to believe even the most glaring evidence. The young mathematician who doesn’t want to admit defeat to his mother may not be quick to reveal his error. The Sum Solving Sleuth who realizes that submitting to God’s authority means crucifying the flesh may not be quick to pick up a bible again. Yet facts are facts, and the truth will always catch up with us. The good news is, we are promised that being on God’s side will always reap the most benefits (in the end). If we seek and find, a happy ending is what we have in store.

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. – Psalm 34:10

If you want to be a detective, learn how to add up all the evidence for a grand finale. If you want to be a mathematician, learn how to see your equation through to completion. If you want to be a Sum Solving Sleuth, learn how to take the knowledge you’ve acquired, and put it into action. Seek and find.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

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In Conclusion,

You have within yourself the potential to be a great detective and mathematician. Get into God’s word and start sum solving like Einstein; sleuthing like Holmes. I’m telling you now what I told my son a week ago: you’re way too smart to let a wrong answer get “stuck in your mind”.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. – Proverbs 25:2

Rewind, Open Your Mind, and Seek and Find. You’ll be a Sum Solving Sleuth in no time, for these steps are simply…

Elementary, my Dear Watson.

For God’s Glory,
CA Bolks

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Chelsea Bolks is a church of Christ minister’s wife, and the home educating mother of two children. She and her family currently reside in Northwest Iowa.