The importance of training children in the way of the Lord, especially in these uncertain times, as they learn from our actions and words, and the need for divine guidance and wisdom in this task.
Good morning, church family!
Today, we're going to delve into the wisdom of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 22:6, which says,
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
This verse echoes the truth that the spiritual training of our children is one of our most important God-given responsibilities.
Charles R. Swindoll once said, "Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." This quote is so relevant to our topic today as we explore the value of training children in the way of the Lord, preparing parents for the challenges of back to school, and equipping children to navigate a chaotic environment.
In these uncertain times, we must remember that our children are watching and learning from us. They're absorbing not just what we say, but what we do. So let's commit to making those daily deposits count. Let's lead them towards Christ.
Let's bow our heads in prayer.
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your guidance as we embark on this journey of nurturing and training our children in Your ways. Give us wisdom to navigate the challenges of going back to school, and strength to equip our children to face and shine in this chaotic world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Now, let's dive into today's message.
The value of training children in the way of the Lord is not merely a suggestion, but a commandment from God. It is a divine mandate that parents have been entrusted with, to guide their children towards a path that leads to God. The importance of this task cannot be overstated.
What does this mean?: When we talk about training children in the way of the Lord, we are not merely referring to teaching them about God, but rather, instilling in them a deep, personal relationship with Him. This involves teaching them about His love, His grace, His mercy, and His righteousness. It involves teaching them about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the hope and salvation that is found in Him.
Teaching them how to live out their faith in practical ways: This includes teaching them how to pray, how to read and understand the Bible, how to worship God, and how to serve others in love. It involves teaching them about the importance of honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and humility. It involves teaching them how to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity.
The value is immeasurable: When children are trained in the way of the Lord, they are equipped with the spiritual tools they need to navigate the challenges of life. They are given a solid foundation of faith that can withstand the storms of life. They are given a moral compass that guides them in making wise decisions. They are given a sense of purpose and meaning that goes beyond the temporal and fleeting pleasures of this world.
More likely to continue in their faith as they grow older: As Proverbs 22:6 promises, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This is not a guarantee that they will never stray from their faith, but it is a promise that the spiritual seeds planted in their hearts will continue to grow and bear fruit throughout their lives.
Not an easy task: It requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of prayer. It requires parents to model the Christian faith in their own lives, to walk the talk, so to speak. It requires parents to make the spiritual training of their children a priority, even amidst the busyness and distractions of life.
Worth every effort: When children are trained in the way of the Lord, they are given a gift that will last a lifetime. They are given the gift of a relationship with their Creator, a relationship that brings peace, joy, and fulfillment. They are given the gift of eternal life, a gift that is more precious than any earthly treasure.
As parents, we are the primary spiritual leaders of our children ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO