Early Training
Tuesday, January 17
Early Training
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
In many cases training is done at an early stage for it to be effective. A gardener places stakes in their tomato plant to govern its growth process. People begin training a puppy in the ways of the home when it is young. Many musicians testify that they started playing an instrument when they were young. Likewise, Proverbs 22:6 is a piece of ancient wisdom that reflects that general principle: Setting a child on the path of righteousness, training them early in the ways of the Lord is the best way to ensure that the child will have a solid foundation as an adult. Proverbs 22:6 is not a guarantee, but it is a general rule.
Children are a gift from God and to dedicate time and patience in the child-training process is the right, responsibility, and joy of all parents. When we are dedicated to the Word of God we will not get lost even if we go off course. With children, training begins with parents dedicating, or committing, their children to God with the goal that the children will become trained, or experienced, in godly living.
May we never forget to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ and, day by day, point them in the direction of godly conduct, wise choices, and appropriate accountability, praying always that when they are old that they will not depart from the way of righteousness.
Prayer for today: Loving Father, thank You for the privilege of being a voice in the life of my children. I humbly ask that You would guide me in the way that I should teach them and train them, and pray that they may grow up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. May they grow to know You for themselves and learn that they can always count on You. May they grow into a loving and personal relationship with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.