As Christian parents, we are called to train our children up in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). The Bible says a lot about children and our calling to lead them to Jesus. But what does that actually look like? How can we instill godly wisdom in our kids on a daily basis?
In this blog post, we’ll explore some practical ways to teach your kids about God and help them grow in their faith. We’ll also hear from some other Christian parents about how they approach this important task. So whether you’re a parent of young children or teenagers, hopefully this post will encourage and equip you as you seek to raise up your kids for the Lord!
Grandparents and Parents: Train Up Your Children in the Way
My grandmother (Tillie) and my mom (Deloris) had a spiritual impact on me when I was a young boy. Our family lived in Northern Iowa in a town of about five thousand. Mom made sure we went to Worship and Sunday school every Sunday. When we spent time at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm, Tillie would take us to the small country church where I could sometimes pull on the long rope to ring the bell in the steeple.
Tillie taught me the 10 commandments, The Lords Prayer, talked about the beatitudes, and the golden rule. We prayed out loud before each meal and before we went to sleep.
Every night was a training session in following the way of Jesus.
Come Lord Jesus be our guest, and let this food to us be blessed. Amen
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my Soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my Soul to take
God bless Mom and Dad, ……….
Amen
I listened to Tillie. She was my Grandma.
I was being trained up in the way and I am thankful for that eternal investment.
When we had our first daughter we started going back to church after being absent in our 20s. Why did we start going back?
Because I learned as a child how important it was to take your children to church every Sunday. I learned by example. Thank You Grandma and Mom!
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way” is a powerful biblical vision for parents and grandparents.
| Proverbs 22: 6 KJV | Proverbs 22: 6 ESV | Proverbs 22: 6 CEV |
| 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. | 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. | 6 Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right. |
Leave a comment below and share how you as a grandparent or parent train your child in the ways of the Lord.
The best way to train up your children in the ways of Jesus Christ is to be a living example of His love and grace. Show them Christ-like qualities such as patience, kindness, and forgiveness, and explain how Jesus desires for us to live. Read Bible stories together and discuss how they can apply to your child’s life. Pray together often, thanking God for His many blessings. By leading your family in a Christ-centered home, you will instill important values that will stay with your children throughout their lives.
Pray for wisdom and share your love for your children with God and you will be amazed at how much more your eyes are opened.
This post was written by Steve Wakefield.
Steve is married to Brenda and has three talented and creative daughters. He is a graduate of Wabash College. Recently retired from a business career in operations, he enjoys writing, reading, cooking, and traveling. Steve has been active in the youth ministry program at Grace United Methodist Church for the past 24 years. For ten of those years he was the part time Minister of Youth. One of the highlights of that tenure was leading seven national and three international youth mission trips.