๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ
โ๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ.โ
Childhood is a critical period in a childโs character development, establishing habits, practicing problem-solving, and forming their understanding of faith and spirituality. Young children are like sponges, absorbing information and experiences at a rapid pace.
In todayโs fast-paced, changing, technology-driven world, children face challenges with the constant barrage of information, peer pressure, and numerous negative influences. The role of parents, guardians, and mentors in nurturing childrenโs faith, values, and character and shaping their future has never been more critical.
A wise principle in raising our children is in our scripture today. Proverbs 22:6 says, โTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.โ The word โtrainโ implies more than just teaching; moral and spiritual guidance throughout life shapes a childโs character, habits, and values.
The phrase โin the way he should goโ emphasizes the importance of individual talents, strengths, and inclinations for parents and caregivers to nurture. Early childhood training and guidance are crucial for shaping a childโs future. However, itโs important for the person who trained them to have already been there, where they should be!
Deuteronomy 6:6โ7 reinforces the idea of constant, intentional teaching and guidance within the family, it says: โAnd these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 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.โ
Ephesians underscores the responsibility of parents in nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord in Ephesians 6:4: โAnd, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.โ
Jesus emphasizes the significance of children in His kingdom, highlighting the importance of nurturing their faith. Matthew 19:14 He said, โโฆ Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.โ
Proverbs reinforce the importance of parental guidance and instruction. Proverbs 1:8 says, โMy son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.โ The passing down of faith and stories of Godโs faithfulness to future generations. Psalm 78:4 declares, โWe will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.โ
Brethren, Proverbs 22:6 reminds us of the significant influence we have on the young lives entrusted to us. It points us to the ultimate example of guidance and nurture โ Jesus Christ. Just as He welcomed children and blessed them (Matthew 19:14), so should we lead our children to Him.
May we always point them to Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and it is through faith in Him that our children find their true purpose and eternal hope.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, recognizing the weight of responsibility in nurturing the young lives Youโve placed in our care. Grant us wisdom, patience, and love as we train up our children in Your ways. May Proverbs 22:6 be a guiding light in our journey, and may we always point them to Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life. In His name, we pray. Amen.
