The family: the initial training ground (Proverbs 22:6)
Dr. Bob Jones said, “ Do right till the stars fall, do right till the last call, do right though no one stands with you, do right when you are alone, do right though it is never known, do right since you love the Lord. Do right, do right, do right.”
This statement summarizes what I want to briefly share today. The family is the initial school for all children to learn the basics of behavior, Christian morals, reading of the word and growing in the fear of Christ.
Proverbs 22:6, is a very fundamental scripture in parenting.
However it depends on which way you train a child to grow. It is your training that helps the child to bear the real fruit that you want to see. It will either be a fruit of godliness or worldliness.
Training a child in godly character helps them to bear the fruit of righteousness. A parent is meant to train a child to do as they ought rather than what they want. Even if they go astray, one day they will return to the right path.
A parent should be able to apply the principle of righteousness to help the child understand what is right and wrong. A parent must relate the basic standards of righteousness, or doing what is right to simplify the Child’s understanding of what is expected.
Train a child by example. Our actions, walks of life, friends we have speak louder than our words. Inconsistency on the side of a parent breeds more rebellion in the family as children grow up. If we teach our children to be faithful to God but do not go to church, we neutralize our counsel because later they will find a church for themselves which does not glorify God.
To develop a Christian family and Christian children, live right, walk right, let your presence in the house bring godly fear among the children let them experience God’s presence in their parents. Cause your children to love God and to love the word because they have seen it in you. Be consistent in the way you talk and what you do both at work and at home. Those with little children, lets trust God as we raise them, if you have missed it, raise your grandchildren in the fear of the Lord. Train your children to love and fear the Lord you
will be a happy parent in your old age. What you sow is what you reap in old age. May God bless you.
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
AG. PROVOST