Train Up A Child

There is no denying that Solomon was a wise man and had a great family lineage in terms of his connection with God. His father, King David, was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22) and when asked by God what he desired, Solomon unselfishly asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:7-8). When we think of the kings and presidents today, how many would ask for such a trait? How many would humbly admit they did not have the ability to properly judge others and to rule as a great ruler?

Solomon was a great man of wisdom and was blessed greatly by God. He was the author of the Song of Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes, and a great part of the book of Proverbs which, let’s face it, is fitting for Solomon. One of his greatest lessons for the world, then and now, comes for parents when he taught “Train up a child †in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This teaching has stood the test of time and is significant for all generations regardless of how much things change.

The significance of this lesson proves true when we look at how unruly and disobedient the younger generation truly is and as valuable as the teaching is, there are many who either forget or do not understand the verse in context. It does not mean that a child will never leave the faith or always stay on the right path when taught the right way but rather, as they age and despite the path they chose to take, the teachings will always be with them. That is, it will never depart from them as the seed has been planted.

When we raise up and train children, there is no guarantee that they will go in this direction. All of us only have one childhood and we have it for a reason as it helps us grow and develop into effective and productive adults. We cannot forget the context of Solomon’s proverb which is that all teaching begins with scripture: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). This teaching will do many great things for children and help them grow into adulthood but just like all people, they have a mind of their own and are free to go in whatever direction they desire.

President Ronald Reagan was known for his great faith in God which helped him do great things while leading the United States of America. President Reagan is known for many things, particularly for his eloquence and speech, especially about God: “Without God, there is no virtue because there’s no prompting of the conscience. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Despite his faith and lessons for the country, his youngest son did not pick up the torch and is a known atheist and outspoken critic of God.

Without God, there is no virtue because there’s no prompting of the conscience. And without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

–President Ronald Reagan

Children are gifts and rewards from God Almighty (Psalm 127:3) and just like any other gift, we should treat children as precious and cherish them which is why it’s appropriate to raise them right. Moses teaches on the subject: “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” (Deuteronomy 6:7-9).

As parent, grandparents, guardians, and mentors, the best that can be done for children is to give them the best you have and it begins with teaching them scripture and the ways they should go. In order to have a harvest, you must first plow the land and the same is true with children. We must plant that seed and allow it to grow. However, we are unable to change the soil, only God can do that but we are expected to do our best and just like everything else, give it to God.

Yes, God is a gentleman and He allows us to do as we want but as His chosen people, we must trust in Him just as Abraham trusted in God even when it meant sacrificing Isaac. If for some reason, the child should choose to go in their own way which is separate from your teachings, while it will most certainly hurt, there should be no blame placed at your feet as you did your best and must rest in the presence and peace of God.

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates”

–Deuteronomy 6:7-9