Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Proverbs 22:1-29
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 22:6 is a priceless piece of advice to all parents. Solomon in Psalm 127:3 reminds us that "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him.” As we see our generation from this perspective, we understand that our children are entrusted to our care by the Lord and we as faithful stewards have a great responsibility to guide and direct our children in the right path.
To ‘train up’ a child is not a onetime act of telling him what to do, but rather it is a steady process of encouraging, disciplining and teaching the child with the intention to train him in moral conduct and godly behavior. It is essential to instill good values in children while they are still young so that they will continue in them even in their old age and reap the rewards in eternity. God’s Word gives us some very valuable instructions in raising our generation:
Train by Example: Children often learn faster from observing the behavior of their role models. Let us examine ourselves to ensure that when our next generation looks to us as role models, we are leading a godly and disciplined lives so as to confidently tell our children, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” [1 Corinthians 11:1], as Paul advised the church in Corinth.
Discipline in Love: Discipline is a vital aspect of raising godly youth. Just as our Heavenly Father disciplines us in love [Proverbs 3:12], so we are to chasten our children with a gentle and yet firm hand. He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. [Proverbs 13:24] Although disciplining our children may seem harsh and painful at the moment, let us remember that "later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” [Hebrew 12:11]
Teach them of the Lord: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” [Deuteronomy 6:6-7] As we experience God’s abundant love and mercy, we should earnestly impart it to our children. As Moses instructed the house of Israel, we are to diligently teach our children about the Lord and His great mercies, even in the midst of our daily hectic schedules.
Equip them for His Work: As we read Paul’s instructions to young Timothy, we understand the value of training our children in their young age. That they may continue in the things which they have learned and been assured of, knowing the Holy Scriptures from childhood, which is able to make them wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus [2 Timothy 3:14-15], that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work [2 Timothy 3:16].
Let us make a conscious and determined decision today to diligently teach our children the Christian faith and to raise them in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Above all, let them learn from us as we exalt Christ in all areas of our life.
Prayer:
Precious Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our generation. We seek Your wisdom to diligently teach our children Your word that they may embrace You and grow in Your will. Amen