Train Your Children

Proverbs 22:6 ESV “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

God’s plan is that children be a great blessing in a family. Sadly, in many homes, the children are terrorizing, exasperating and exhausting their parents. All young children act exactly as they have been trained by their parents or other care givers. As they get older children have additional influences that may affect their behavior, such as peers, television, social media, teachers, etc. God places primary responsibility on fathers to make sure their children are trained according to God’s Word. Mothers are not exempt from this responsibility, but God does hold fathers ultimately responsible. If you allow your children to disrespect or disobey you, that is your choice. Do not blame your children. They are just doing what they have been trained to do. Most parents tell their children to do right, but few seem to consistently train their children to actually do right. Training is much more than telling or teaching; it requires that the desired action be done over and over, until acting right becomes a habit. Training is making sure someone does something correctly until it becomes a habit. Do not be deceived into thinking that letting children have their own way will promote peace: yours or theirs. No peace will be found in a home where the instruction of the Lord is not followed (Isaiah 54:13). Children do not know what is best for them. That is why God gave them parents who are responsible for training them correctly. But if you have not achieved perfection in this area, God will still help you and your children. This is not meant to condemn, but to encourage. If your children are grown, just keep on loving them and praying for them. If you fell short as a parent, do not despair. God is merciful and gracious. So pray for your children and God will work in their lives.