Train Them Up

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

Recently Olivia came to me because someone we know is pregnant outside of wedlock. My precious innocent ten year old didn’t understand how that could happen because she’s not married. Of course, this led into “the talk”. We discussed things, and I answered questions.

Then Olivia turned to me, and said, “She’s going to hell.”

At first I was taken back by what she had just said. How did my sweet little girl become so condemning? But it was such a great moment for me to talk to her about God’s grace.

I explained to her that, no, that’s not the way God intends for us to have children, but it’s not any different than any other sin. And Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for ALL sins, big and small. It doesn’t matter. If we ask, He will forgive us. I explained to her that we all mess up, daily. We all do things that go against the will of God, but He’s always waiting with open arms to receive us back.

I hope in that day, I gave her a better picture of Christ. I don’t want her to imagine that He’s there to smite her every time she does something wrong. I want her to know that He isn’t pleased when she does something wrong, but that He is always willing to forgive her.

And parents, this is where it starts. At home. If you aren’t teaching your children about God and His grace, then who is? You can’t leave it up to the church. It is our job as parents to lead our children to Christ. I don’t always do this the way that I should, but I pray everyday that Christ will guide me in raising my children.

We have to stop being complacent. We have for too long relied on everyone else to teach our kids everything. As a teacher, I am expected to teach children how to act and social behaviors, and as a youth pastor’s wife, I feel as though I am expected to teach our youth all they need to know about Jesus.

I am only there to take that knowledge deeper. Parents, we have to step up and take responsibility for our God-given duties. We have to be the ones to teach our kids about Jesus. Because once they step foot outside of our doors, they are bombarded by this world. They are pressed from every side with things that don’t honor Christ. Start today by praying specifically for your children.

5 Things to Pray Specifically for Our Children

Conviction of sin, not condemnation
Free from the need of other’s approval
Experience God as a rewarder
Love for God’s word
Submission to God

I pray today that we, as parents, will begin instilling Christ into our children at home. I pray that we bathe them in prayer and the Word. Remember, our children are the future. I want my future led by God-fearing individuals, and that starts at home.