-September 1, 2020-
Good morning, happy Tuesday,
-Taking The Opportunities To Teach And Train Our Children-
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6).
One of the greatest responsibilities and ministries we can have is to raise up our children for the Lord. It represents an investment of our love, time, and effort to pass on the truth of God to the next generation. You don’t have to be a theologian, preacher, or pastor to effectively train your children. Homeschooling is an effective way to teach the Word and their school subjects. Many people are now seeing the benefit of this type of teaching. Quite a few parents are turning to it.
Solomon, who learned so much from his father David, and his mother Bathsheba, writes, “Train up a child in the way he should go…” That is a simple statement yet powerful statement. Paul wrote, “And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The best way to do this is live a godly example before them. Kids want to see that our faith is real and that we practice what we preach.
Moses instructed the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them with you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” This covers just about all the practical ways we can pass on the Word of God to our youngsters. When we watch the news or other TV programs we can relate the lessons to our kids. Many of the old TV shows of 1950’s and 1960’s can still be found in syndication. There are so many good lessons in them.
Timothy, Paul’s protege and fellow servant, was the recipient of the godly upbringing of his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. This fact was not lost on Paul when he chose him to travel with him and serve the Lord. 2 Timothy 1:5 says, “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
Solomon goes on to show the long lasting value of teaching and training of our children, “…and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Many prodigal sons and daughters have to Christ later in life. They remember what they were taught and the Holy Spirit uses it in their lives.
But some of us don’t have any children of our own. We can still apply this principle to discipling others who have come to Christ. We pass on what we have learned and experienced in our walk with the Lord and help the new believers. Older men and women have so much to pass on to the younger ones.
The training of our natural and spiritual children is such a blessing both for this life and for all eternity. It represents an investment in their lives that pays great dividends. But it takes careful and diligent effort on our part on a daily basis. With the pandemic keeping so many at home, it gives us even more time to train up our kids. They really need us more now than ever. You and I are role models.
Have a blessed day investing in your kids and others for the kingdom of God. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 