Proverbs 22:6

Scripture:

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (NASB)

Observation:

I know I won't be around forever. While helping one of my daughters with a furnace that wasn't heating properly, I could have just made the repair and told her it was fixed. However, that wouldn't have taught her anything. Instead of just fixing it, I showed her exactly what I was looking for and had her and her boyfriend help in the repair. Today's verse speaks of training up our children in the way they should go and when they are older they shall not depart from it. It's one thing to do it for them, but what lesson will they learn? Our job as parents is to teach our children, to show them the way by allowing them to help so when we are no longer with them they can do it on their own. I can't think of a better lesson than teaching them the things of God. Showing them the love that He has for them in sending His son to die for them and their sin. It doesn't end there. It is to show them the way of Christ, to not only read it in the Bible, but to live it day-to-day. Like the furnace that now heats up, maybe we need to heat things up when it comes to how we parent in the way of the Lord. 

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love. 
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.