Train Them Up

I have been given the unique privilege of homeschooling my two beautiful children. One of the blessings I have encountered on this journey has been that of spending time in the Word of God each week with them. When they were young, this looked more like reading through the stories of the Old Testament, teaching them about God’s people and of his faithfulness to them. This past year though, as they have grown and matured through the 7th and 9th grades, and we have moved on to the letters of Paul, this has morphed into something quite different. Our conversations have taken on less of a teaching vibe and more of that of a discussion amongst peers.

I have seen my children begin to think for themselves, to question what they are reading, and to mull over the lessons embedded in Paul’s words. They have intelligent thoughts that (whether they realize it or not) are rooted in scripture and they aren’t afraid to voice them. I am seeing tender hearts and real spiritual growth, and it blows me away every time we sit down.

This has been a direct result of God working within these moments. All that I have done is obeyed his instruction to “start them off on the way they should go”. My intent was merely to teach them God’s word, to get them comfortable thinking it through and to be able to participate in group discussions well.

Please understand that this in no way ensures their salvation, nor is this verse a promise of that assurance. But as their mom and their teacher, it is my responsibility to train them up and to point them in the right direction. While they are living under my roof, I will do everything I can to instill within them a desire to know God, to walk with Jesus, and to invite the Holy Spirit in.

This is all I can do, the rest is up to them.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to teach my children how to read your precious word. Help me to be consistent in that teaching and to be patient with their learning. Amen

Try It Out: If you have children at home, grandchildren nearby, or even other kids in your neighborhood or community, take the time to show them how to open the Bible and to read and understand God’s Word. For each passage, ask them what they think it is saying, what they think it teaches about God, and what they can learn from it personally. It may take some time for them to find the confidence to speak up but keep at it; your patience and consistency will pay off.