Pilot Knob Lutheran Train Up a Child 7/12/2023
Wouldn’t it be great to simply teach children the right things in life and know that they will adhere to them especially when they are on their own?
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” This is often taken as a fool proof way of keeping children in the Christian faith.
“In the way he should go” refers in part to training and teaching according to his talents, abilities, interests, and aptitude for learning according to his age. Training according to their talent and abilities enables the child to grasp and hold on to what is taught. This will help in retaining that training and less likely to depart from it.
The word ‘child’ in Hebrew doesn’t always refer to a very young age, it could also refer to anyone from infancy through young adulthood. This training includes skills for a future vocation, building relationships and getting along in public. Most importantly, training and teaching them the truth about God, principles of scripture and especially about Jesus. So, the main source for education is the bible taught and lived by parents.
“And when he is old. . .” is an observation in life, based on what usually happens by God’s grace. What we often see is young adults don’t usually return to church until after marriage and especially after they have children.
Can we say this proverb promises that every child who wanders away from the faith will return sometime before death? No. However, chances increase when church attendance is regular and parents are praying it would be so. God hears such prayer. Matthew 9:18-19 . . .a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him. . . .
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
July 16, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: Joshua 8 Pt. 9. Sermon: A Ruse to Live
July 16, 2:00 GriefShare
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
