Spiritual Health

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

Those of us who have placed our faith in Christ and are parents are very well acquainted with this scripture. It is often go to scripture that serves to either convict us of the importance of our task in training up our children, or to encourage parents with older children who may have strayed from the path.

What does it mean to train up a child? This does not mean only to educate them in the sense of academics; it is a commission to educate them in the things of God. It can be a large task to take on especially with the current dynamic of the world. Most families require dual incomes or both parents working, and after working a full day and taking care of the duties of the home, it can be a challenge to also focus on making sure to train up your children. Children are a blessing from the Lord and given to our care and stewardship.

But with the challenges, there is good news! Teaching your children does not have to be overly complicated! Children are sponges, desiring to learn. We often times think we must take a school like approach - sit down, work through the lesson for today, and that is the end. However, I would present to you that God wishes us to train our children much the same way He desires us to pray - without ceasing. When you are doing things and your family is present, include them. Teach them that all things point back to God. There are faith lessons in everything around us and in everything we do. The interactions we have with our children, our behaviors, and our responses will begin to shape their initial character. Incorporate the Word of God in your home as a regular routine. The power of a family, a house joined in prayer, and the reading of the Word can move mountains and cause a great shift in the dynamic of your home.

We must be aware that regardless of if we are or are not actively teaching and training our children, they are still being taught. If we do not step up to that calling and take a firm grasp on its importance, we will find that the world and our poor character will train them in our place. Instruct, read, teach, create firm boundaries, give structure, apologize when you make mistakes, PRAY, and READ the Word.

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4

How will our children know and understand the reverence and importance for the things of God if we are not willing to be the example and light to them in it? Most of us, if we were to be honest, have lived portions of our lives that we are not proud of. Now, having been found in Christ, we see that wickedness and for some, the devastation it caused in our lives. We must take very seriously our responsibility to ensure our children do not repeat our past mistakes. God provided FREEDOM and VICTORY. We need only submit to Him and make sure He is the center of our lives and everything else will fall into place in accordance to His will.