Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:7 Joshua 1:8
Family Values
Esther 2:7
"And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter."
Family Values
One of the most monumental works in all the world is the Great Wall of China. It stretches more than 1,500 miles over mountains and deserts and is the only man-made structure visible from space. The Chinese built it to keep out barbarians, and for the most part they succeeded. Only three times was it ever breeched, and in all three instances the enemy gained access by bribing a gatekeeper. Even the strongest security system is worthless if those responsible do not have appropriate values.
It is evident that Mordecai had strong values. Scripture reveals that while Esther was still young, her parents died and Modecai took her into his home and raised her as though she were his own daughter. While in his home, Esther learned the values of loyalty, obedience and courage, all of which she would need to intercede for her people.
When values deteriorate, so does everything else. Former American President Ronald Reagan observed, "If we fail to instruct our children in justice, religion, and liberty, we will be condemning them to a world without virtue, a life in the twilight of a civilization where the great truths have been forgotten."
Take seriously your responsibility to teach those in your house the values that make life worthwhile. Share the Word of God with your children and grandchildren as the source of those values. Teach them to "do according to all that is written in it" so that it may go well with their lives (Josh. 1:8).
A life empty of values is a life without value.
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