"Train up a child"

Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

This verse has been on my mind alot lately. It is so important as parents, to take this verse seriously. Our children will go in the way we train them to go. Whatever priorities we have as our children grow up will affect what their priorities will be as adults. If teaching them that God, his word and the importance of worship is our priority , it will be more likely to be their priority as they mature. Conversely if we teach them that God, his word and worship are optional or a low priority they will be more likely to think that way as they mature.

We must realize the way we live our lives as parents will certainly affect the way our children will live their lives as adults. Granted they will have many other influences in their  lives as they mature, but we must take responsibility for the influence we are in their growing up years.

If we choose to teach our children that sports, education and other activities are more important than their relationship with God and his church that is what will keep them away from the most important influences in their lives.

So today, let’s get our priorities straight. Let’s live in the way our children should go.  Let’s train up the next generation in the way they should go, so they will not depart from what is truly important for a good and long life. Let’s make God, his word and worship of him first in our hearts, minds and actions. Give them something to follow.

© 2013 Leo J. Woodman