“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
It’s worth the effort it takes to train your children in godly ways!
Nothing about this verse is easy. Raising godly children in this secular, sensual, anti-authoritarian world is very challenging. It takes constant effort and attention. You have to constantly monitor what they are putting into their little minds. Are the TV shows they watch appropriate? Do the kids on the show respect their parents and speak kindly to their brothers and sisters? Is there a level of violence or sensuality that your kids should avoid? Then set rules.
Do your kids speak back to you without respect? Then there should be punishments that fit verbal disobedience. Your kids will resent your training at first. It’s hard work. You’ll want to give in to your kids every day. But if you love them and want them to grow up to honour and love and serve the Lord, then you must teach them to honour and love and serve you. And you must always speak to them about what is pleasing to God, who we love the most.
This verse is not a promise. It’s a proverb, a statement about how life normally works. But your kids have a will of their own. Children can reject even the most godly training on occasion, but don’t give up.
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