Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 WEB
Children are a great responsibility and a gift from God. As we read in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. NIV” When the Lord entrusts us with another human life, it is wise to make the most of that blessing. Of course, a large part of ensuring the best future possible for a child is demonstrating tender love and care.
To understand this proverb, we must realize that it is a warning and not a promise. Whether we set a good example or not, whatever we teach a child when they are young will affect the quality of their life here on earth and in eternity. Our children are our heritage and the lessons they learn reverberate throughout time. And so, it is important that we raise a child with wisdom focusing on establishing godly morals and values in our offspring.
Love the Lord Your God
To do this, we give our children constant love and guidance. We instill in them an appreciation for doing the right thing. We teach perseverance in accomplishing the important tasks of life. But, most importantly, as Christians we teach a child by example the value of loving God and loving others. As Jesus teaches in Mark 12:30-31, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.This is the first commandment. The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. WEB”
As a child of God, it is important that a parent show obedience to the word and will of God. It is critical that our children understand that we have a loving and just Father in heaven who rewards faithfulness eternally but also corrects everyone he loves. As we read Hebrews 12:6, “for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives. WEB” As we invest time teaching a child how to negotiate the issues of life, it is best to guide them with love, being patient and kind, correcting mistakes with the forgiveness we receive from our heavenly Father.
Prayer: “Father God, I love you with all my heart and all my mind. Thank you for making me a child of yours. From you I learn the love that each child requires. Guide me to raise my children to love as you love. In Jesus name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A Ransom for All
