The Train Journey to a Godly Heritage
Guest Post
by John Doyle
The word of God says that we are to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6.
It also says “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord” Psalm 127:3.
The word Heritage in the word of God refers to the receiving of an Inheritance… What is the greatest inheritance that God gave to you? I am sure you as a Father, Mother or and Grandfather, Grandmother will comprehensively say, My Children and my Grandchildren are the greatest inheritance from the Lord this side of Heaven.
Training up your children in the ways of the Lord is Quite a TRAIN Journey and it never really ends irrespective of the age of your Children and Grandchildren.
What does it Mean to Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go? We do know that children left to their own way are not likely to change; they’ll become adults who go their own way and it will end up the wrong way. In Proverbs 22:15 it says “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child…” Many times children don’t tend to make the right choices and we have all been there so God has a plan for us in His Word.
This verse in Proverbs 22 isn’t just about the moral or spiritual direction of the child, but also about the Godly gifts and talents they have been given. As Parents part of the training is helping our children discover their purpose and direction in life. We have the unique role of helping children discover how God has equipped them and how they can use their gifts in a positive way that will bring glory to God.
We have an important responsibility as Parents. Throughout Scripture, God is clear about the responsibility He places in the hands of us as Parents. None is more clear than Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart, you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk to them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Its quite a TRAIN journey and as parents we are to teach our children what matters to God. Its not forcing them into a certain set of beliefs or rituals; rather, it means demonstrating a real Faith – A faith that puts the focus on Loving God and Loving others. My view is that there is no a greater purpose we can have in life than reflecting God’s image to our Children in the things we do and say. That’s part of the TRAIN journey and when we do our part as Parents the promise is that “when they are older, they will not depart for it.”
When writing to the Ephesians, Paul encourages the Church to be “imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God…” Eph. 5:1-2. That encourages us all and reminds us of how we are to Live and Love. Our children will know how to Live and Love the right life when they see it in the lives of their Parents knowing that they are followers of Christ.
Finally, let me encourage you to share this wonderful promise from Gods Word with your children:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your Father and Mother which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and that you may live long in the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3
This verse when applied will touch the hearts of your children.
May the Lord bless you and your family and we trust you will have a wonderful TRAIN journey as you “train up your children in the ways of the Lord.”
In the Love of the Lord Jesus,
John and Barbara