Train Up a Child

What does the bible say?

 

When I was a new mom, I started doing devotions with my children every night, beginning when they were toddlers. It was a nightly routine. Maybe your family sits together for meals, or you drive them to school. Whatever time of day you choose to do devotions doesn't matter. What does matter is that you do them. Making the decision to raise your child in the Lord is the first step. That's what the bible says to do. And if you do that, your child will:

• Always make the right choices
• Never argue about going to church
• Only listen to Christian music
• Voluntarily turn off any inappropriate programs on tv
• Obey you unconditionally
• And never, ever sin again.

In what world?

Not this one, friend. That sounds quite unrealistic now, doesn't it? Even though that is a list of seemingly unattainable dreams for your child, there is something that is 100% true. God tells us in Proverbs 22:6 that if we "Train up a child in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart from it." These are comforting words to a new momma, aren't they? In fact, they are comforting words to old mommas, too. This is a promise from the Lord. All we have to do is train them, and then leave the rest to God. So, do just that.

If you are reading this and thinking:

• I've never brought my child to church.
• I've never read the bible to my child.
• I don't listen to Christian music.
• We never prayed as a family.
• My child is already a teenager. I think it's too late.

It's ok. You don't have to recite bible verses to your fetus while they're still in your womb to get this right. All you have to do is start.

Today.

There are so many ways to introduce Jesus into your home and into your child's life, but the first thing to do is make sure He is part of yours. They will see you and that will make an impact. Children learn what they live. So live out your own faith and that will start them on the path of doing the same. 

• Say grace before you eat at mealtime.
• Play Christian music. Artists of every genre are out there!
• Choose Christian movies to watch together.
• Make Sundays a day where you go to church together and focus on family.
• Read your bible alone and to them. Make sure it's age appropriate.  
• Talk about the Lord and what He's done for you.

We started with children's bibles. We had several different ones we enjoyed. When they got older, we introduced other mediums such as puzzles, games, books and movies. Switching it up kept it fresh.  

Let them see that time with Jesus is important. And fun! 

But don't think this is just for younger children. When they are older, there are some really cool movies and music out there they may enjoy. Also, youth groups are amazing for teens if you find the right one. Great youth leaders and meeting other kids that also love the Lord can really positively impact your child in ways you just can't.

It may sound difficult if you have never done these things in your home before. It may seem too late if your kids are older. But it's not.

• Jesus is worth it.
• Your family is worth it.
• Your efforts are worth it.

So remember:

• Start small.
• Start scared.
• Start determined.

But whatever you do, just start.

Sunday school and youth group are great, but having your child hear at least one verse of scripture and pray every day is vital. Jesus being part of their daily lives and walking this journey alongside you will be much more impactful than driving them to church once a week and making them sit quietly in the pew next to you. You will see that to be true as they grow, and you will know that you have obeyed the Lord as you train them up the way they should go.  Hold on to the promise that when they are old, they will not depart from it.

Remember, their greatest teacher in this life, is you. This time together is precious. It's a priority. Devotion time is also a set time to pray together as a family, share stories, and carry each other's burdens. It's ok for them to see that parents aren't perfect. They're forgiven.

• Be honest
• Be consistent
• Be sincere
• Be vulnerable 

If you give them nothing else, give them Jesus. 

Mommas, always remember, there is nothing more important than that. Because no matter what happens to them in this lifetime, they will learn to live happily ever after, after. After they know Jesus.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 
Impress them on your children. 
Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, 
when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7