The Task of Training of a Child

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

This is the verse I cling to as I think about my oldest son graduating from high school in just a few days and entering the real world.  As parents, we are given the duty of rearing our children to be God-fearing, well-rounded adults.  However, that duty does not come with a guarantee that what we teach them or influence upon them will be followed.  

Here lies the hard part of parenting.  As a mother, I know that I have attempted to do the best job that I possibly could to raise my son “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), but once he becomes an adult he must learn to take that training and put it to use in his own life by his own choice.  

Though this may be difficult this is what the Lord has called us as parents to do.  So as I reflect back on the last 18 years of parenting there are a few traits or characteristics that I hope that I have encouraged in my son’s life.

Respect & Humility - When it comes to showing respect I have encouraged my son as 1 Peter 5:5 says, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  This verse touches on both of these characteristics as they often go hand in hand.

A verse that I have often quoted to not just my son, but all of my children is this, “Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  Ephesians 6:2-3

Love & Gratitude - As a Christian, it is important to share the love of God with others and to practice gratitude.  As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  

It is my hope that I have shown my child how to love and how to be a person who is grateful for what they have.  

Though these are only a few of the characteristics I hope that my son has, I believe that these characteristics will help him to do well in life.  

If you are the parent of a child no matter their current age remember that though God has given us this enormous task of rearing children he has also equipped us with everything that we need to do so well. He has also promised us that if we need wisdom that we can ask him and he will give it to those who earnestly seek it.  

May you be encouraged in this today.