Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
What does this mean to me?
Raising a child is the most important job any person could be given. To take that position lightly, would be to fail our children. There is no bigger blessing or harder task in this world, therefore we must do it to the best of our ability.
As individuals we all have opinions on how to better this world, and it is up to us to raise our children as such. In our house, the priorities are to be faithful, kind, independent and most importantly loving. Faithful to God, each other and those we love. Kind to everyone we meet, no matter what. Independent so when the real world comes knocking, they are ready to open that door. The top priority for us is love. Real, devoted love is unconditional. We do our best to show them how a genuine relationship is, so they never settle for less than they deserve. In turn, we hope this is instilling in them how we expect them to be in future relationships. But it doesn’t stop there; love is for friendships too. Love in all relationships requires loyalty and honesty.
When does this apply?
The simple answer is, always. It is up to us as parents, grandparents and guardians to teach them wrong from right, basic household chores for their future, and how to treat others. If we start positive behaviors at a young age, they won’t know any different as they grow. Children learn all sorts of behaviors from the adults in their lives, we need to make sure it is the correct ones. They will receive enough negativity and hardships in this world, we need to be their safe harbor and guiding light.
Christian or not… Does that matter?
I think a common misconception with bible verses is that you must have a Christian view to find value in it. That couldn’t be further from the truth. As Christians we find verses inspirational and each of us take something different from them. If you aren’t Christian, that doesn’t mean there is no value. Think of them as inspirational quotes, this one could be shortened to ‘raise them right and you will never worry as they grow.’ Every parent should live by this with the intent to steer their children in a positive direction.
