The Primary School Leaving Examination has just come to an end. This period, including several months before the first paper, was a most trying period for both the child and the parents. It seemed that some parents regard the PSLE as almost decisive for the child’s future well-being. There is no doubt that it is an important examination. To say, however, that his future hangs on this or any academic performance is simply untrue. Several observations are evident. First, I know of not a few people who are very successful in their family life, spiritual service for God and whose yearly income earnings are above the middle-income range. They are not even graduates. The converse is sometimes true too. There are not a few geniuses who never succeeded in life. There are not a few talented people whom people somehow do not take notice of. Second, more importantly, God’s Word tells us how to succeed life.

Fear the Lord

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This means that when a person fears the Lord, he will become wise and will hence succeed. Proverbs explains why. For instance, a man who fears God will keep away from sexual sins. That includes keeping away from prostitutes and from married women (Prov 7:6-27).

He is a wise person because he knows how to stay out of trouble. When a person is wise, he will work hard and not be lazy or seek to earn a quick dollar. He will gain the respect of his boss and colleagues. His hard work will pay off and he will enjoy the fruits of his labour. A person who knows how to survive in the world is indeed wise and that is a result of fearing God.

Second, a person who fears the Lord will succeed because God blesses such a person. He is considered clever, that is, wise. Thus, Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” All good gifts come from God (Jas 1:17). Hence, if you want the best things in life, things that will bring you real and lasting blessings, get right with God and walk right with God. “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge but time and chance happens to them all” (Eccl 9:11). It is God who orders “time and chance” to come to you or your child that you or he may succeed in life.

Therefore, how can you help your child to succeed in life? How can you succeed? Fear the Lord. As a parent, teach him God’s truths. By warnings and encouragement, by rebuke and comfort, by urging him and patience, train him to fear and love the Lord. Then when he walks in quiet dependence on his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God himself will guarantee him good success in life.

Are you working hard to succeed in life? Are you worried about life? Are you envious of others who succeed in life? Or as a parent, are you worried for your child’s future? If you or your child fears and loves the Lord, all will end well. Train your child to fear the Lord. Love your Lord and put Him first in your life. Do not cut corners in your walk or service to Him. Be faithful in attending worship service, in serving Him and in your Quiet Time. Flee from sin. Then, the Lord will give you true success that will bring you true blessings, blessings that will not hurt you but will bring true satisfaction.