“Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:60
So many of God’s promises we apply to ourselves as adults for the here and now and the challenges we face. We look to these promises to make a future that is hopeful and strengthens us so that we can strengthen others. The Proverb above focuses more on the future that God creates through us for our children. It looks to the here and now in how we are training them for a future beyond ourselves and the present challenges that we encounter.
Children are our future. We strive and work to give them a solid, happy life in the current times, but the verse above causes us to project even further, to the future that our children will hold and lead. It reminds us that as we train them in the truths of God in the now, it will be of great benefit for their future and for that of the world.
The current approach in much of our society today, is to allow children to choose for themselves, without our input, as though their choices will be inherently correct. While we teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, or not to do drugs, or to study hard, so much of our world’s upbringing leaves them without any true guidance that comes from God’s Word. Sadly, when they are old enough to make their own decisions, they do so without any real grounding or knowledge and are left to follow the whims of a fallen world to direct them.
When we look at the promises of God, we should see those promises for ourselves and our children. Not for just our future, but for theirs as well. Training our children in the promises of God ensures a hope that will not disappoint and charts them on a path to true life. It is the life we live and the inheritance we leave them. Together in Jesus, we as the Children of God, always have hope!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian