Daily devotion – Time teaching our children.
Training and Raising Godly 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
Children copy and imitate so readily, do they not? We often hear someone say, “They are just like their father,” or “They are just like their mother,” when a child says or does something that reminds us of their parents.
Every now and then, Helen and I have the privilege of doing devotions with some of our grandchildren before they head off to school. The Bible is opened, and we sit around the kitchen table before their new day begins. We read a passage of Scripture, explain what it means, and then ask the children to tell us in their own words what the Word of God is teaching them. Finally, we consider how we can apply it to their lives—and to ours—before finishing with prayer for their day at school.
It does not take very long, and we keep it simple—not simple in meaning, but simple in explanation.
Thinking about these precious times reminds me of the incredible opportunity we have as parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, guardians, teachers, and in any position where God gives us the opportunity to minister to the youngest among His people.
How much our children can learn and grow from the example we give them!
Children will naturally copy what they see and hear from those who are older and placed over them. They watch how we respond, how we speak, how we treat others, how we handle difficulties, and most importantly, how we live out our relationship with God.
Sadly, we see children in the world following the example of parents who themselves do not walk with God. What is modelled before them becomes what they come to understand as normal.
So let us never forget the powerful opportunity God gives us while our children are young.
They are like sponges, soaking up so much of what surrounds them. They are also like ships that need navigation and steering. They need someone to help guide their direction, establish boundaries, correct them when necessary, encourage them when they are discouraged, and continually point them towards Christ.
The Hebrew word translated “train” in Proverbs 22:6 carries the idea of narrowing, initiating, disciplining, and dedicating. Training involves purpose. It means helping a child understand the right path and lovingly guiding them in that direction.
And training is necessary because, left to themselves, children will naturally develop habits and behaviours that can lead to selfishness, poor discipline, and ultimately heartache.
This is why godly training is not simply about correcting bad behaviour. It is about shaping a life.
It is about teaching our children to love God, respect His Word, serve others, speak truth, show kindness, accept correction, and understand that their lives belong to Him.
Parents, grandparents, and all of us who have influence over children—seize the moment!
Those moments around the kitchen table.
Those conversations in the car.
Those prayers beside the bed.
Those opportunities to correct with love.
Those times when a child asks a seemingly simple question that opens the door to something eternal.
Never underestimate what God can do through a few minutes of Scripture, a godly example, a calming word, loving correction, protective guidance, and prayer.
Especially dads and mums, bring wisdom, calming words, protective guidance and blessing to those whom God has entrusted to you.
They are not merely children to be raised.
They are lives entrusted to us for a season, and our desire should be to raise them for the glory of God.
May we faithfully train them, lovingly guide them, and continually point them to Jesus.
“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
What a privilege.
What a responsibility.
What an opportunity.