What practical steps ensure children won't "depart from it" when older? Foundation Verse “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) What “Train Up” Means - Intentional, continual discipleship, not a one-time event - Shaping both heart and habits toward the Lord’s path - Personalizing instruction to each child’s God-given bent, while keeping it anchored to Scripture Practical Steps That Keep Children from Departing - Start early and stay consistent: infancy to adulthood (2 Timothy 3:14–15) - Saturate the home with Scripture—read aloud, memorize, post verses on walls (Deuteronomy 6:6–9) - Model authentic faith: let children see repentance, gratitude, and obedience lived out (Philippians 4:9) - Conduct daily family worship: brief worship, Bible reading, discussion, and singing (Psalm 78:4) - Use loving but firm discipline that references God’s standard, not personal irritation (Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:11) - Integrate a Christian worldview into schoolwork, entertainment, finances, and sexuality (Colossians 2:8) - Guard influences: monitor media, friendships, and online content (1 Corinthians 15:33) - Immerse them in a faithful local church—regular services, age-appropriate teaching, multigenerational relationships (Hebrews 10:24–25) - Encourage service: let children serve alongside parents—hospitality, outreach, worship team, missions (1 Peter 4:10–11) - Speak identity in Christ daily: remind them they are created, loved, and called (Ephesians 1:3–6) - Pray persistently for their salvation and perseverance (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 1:6) - Celebrate milestone decisions—baptism, communion, mission trips—to cement commitment (Joshua 4:6–7) Reinforcing Scriptures - Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “These words…shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” - Ephesians 6:4 — “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” - Psalm 119:9,11 — hiding God’s word keeps a young person from sin - 3 John 4 — the joy of seeing children walking in truth Key Takeaways - The promise of Proverbs 22:6 is God’s design, not human optimism. - Faithful, Scripture-centered parenting tills the soil for lifelong discipleship. - Consistency, example, community, and prayer are the primary tools God uses to keep children from departing when they are older. |
    |