"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
- Proverbs 22:6
The child is to be initiated in the way of life from the earliest dawn of intelligence. Children understand more than they can express. As a temple newly built, and yet not profaned, is solemnly set apart to the Lord, so a child, by pious training, is dedicated as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
A great duty enjoined, particularly to those parents and instructors of children, in order to the propagating of wisdom, that it may not die with them. Train up children in the age of vanity, to keep them from the sins and snares of it in that learning age to prepare them for what they are for. Catechize them; initiate them; keep them under discipline. Train them as soldiers, who are taught to handle their arms, keep rank and observe the word of command. Train them up, not in the way they would go, but in the way they should go because their corrupt hearts would draw them aside. The way in which they will find caring and nourishing hands, a listening heart and a voice that gives instructions and blessings. Train up a child according as he is capable with a gentle hand, as nurses feed children, little and often.
A good reason for it, taken from the great advantage of this care and pains with children: When they grow up, when they grow old, it is to be hoped, they will not depart from it. Good impressions made upon them then will abide upon them all their days. Ordinarily the vessel retains the value with which it was first seasoned. Many indeed have departed from the good way in which they were trained up; Solomon himself did so. But early training may be a means of their recovering themselves, as it is supposed Solomon did. At least the parents will have the comfort of having done their duty and used the means.
Open our eyes, hearts and mind. Take the challenge designed for you. If children of today will be guided and trained accordingly, we will lessen the number of people who will be in prison when they grow old.
Children are gifts from God; they need our valued acceptance, favorable respect, unconditional love, proper guidance and fervent prayers.
- Bro. Rodel T. Reyes
Youth Pastor
20th St. Church of Christ
