One of our biggest responsibilities as a parent, and especially for moms, is train our children. We teach them right from wrong, help them to learn to love God’s wisdom and knowledge.
But, as hard as we work, it can seem like our words and teachings don’t always get through. When it comes to raising children, it’s a long game (really long) and we don’t always see the fruit our work for years (sometimes after they leave home).
I chose today’s verse to encourage you. Don’t give up on your work. Mothers and grandmothers have a part to play.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
What is the “way a child should go” that is referenced in this verse?
Taking a broader look at Proverbs we see a constant struggle between good and evil, wisdom and folly.
Here’s an example of the struggle from Proverbs 1:22, “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge? (emphasis added)
Just a few verses before in Proverbs 1:7 it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools will reject wisdom and instruction.
The training we should be giving our children is to fear the Lord. Joshua 1:9, (a verse I memorized as child), says the Book of the Law (Biblical teachings) should not depart from our mouth and we should mediate on them day and night.
Moses also directs us in Deuteronomy 6:7 to teach our children diligently the Bible when we talk to them, when we sit in our homes, when we walk and go about daily life. Biblical teaching should be woven throughout our day.
The Bible will get deep in the hearts of our children by teaching it every day. The world wants to teach our children their ways, the ways of sin and destruction. As moms, we have the first chance to teach our children the way of wisdom. Let’s give them a foundation that will not be shaken by worldly teachings.
Remember, when you are tired, overwhelmed and feel like nothing you do is getting through, don’t grow weary in well doing. Just carry on. When the time is right, you will see the fruit of your labor. I Corinthians 3:6-7 tells us its our job to plant the seed and nurture it, it’s God’s part to make grow.
