Train up a child and keep praying

Published 5:50 am Sunday, November 19, 2017

Every child, whether they turned out wonderful or let us say, less than desirable, is to some degree the product of a mom and dad. It’s true that some parents have invested very little time into their children’s development, but generally speaking, mothers and fathers dearly love their kids and want the best for them. Unfortunately, things do not always go as planned and many wayward children have caused their family much worry, sadness, and disappointment. Spectators are quick to blame the parents, but I do not believe that all liability can be laid at their doorstep. Moms and dads have the perfect opportunity to present constructive thinking and a sense of right and wrong into their children’s mind and spirit within the formative years, however this does not always guarantee the child will continue in the direction they were pointed. It’s a common fact; sometimes good parents have children that are rebellious, uncontrollable, and are an embarrassing shame.

Children are very curious, which gives every parent the duel opportunity to not only be instructors but also responsible to demonstrate what they believe in front of them. Let us also remember that children are vulnerable to outside influences and will choose their own way. So, how important is it to pray over our children? Many experts agree that the first six years in a child’s life is his or her most important years of mental, emotional and spiritual development. It’s believed that the foundation that is laid within the individual’s conscience during this crucial period of time becomes the decision filter they will use for the rest of their life.

Does this concept of good parents producing good children always work? Well, through the years, I have talked with many broken-hearted moms and dads that wonder where they went wrong. They seemed to be good Christian people who lived a decent moral life, took their kids to church, corrected them and tried to teach them the best they could. While attempting to console and search for an explanation, this scripture found in Proverbs 22:6, usually finds its way to the surface. “Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” The idea here is to remind us that if good seed has been planted within the heart of the child, God’s living Word will eventually germinate and lead them into His way. Sadly, there are so many bewildered parents who are confused and discouraged and still waiting for this miracle to take place. First of all we can agree that God’s promises never fail and secondly, we can accept the fact that everyone has a free-will and is accountable for their own life. There is nothing more powerful than prayer and having faith that God will step into the situation. He has heard your cries and seen your tears and is the only one who can transform a mind and change a heart.

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Dr. Holland lives in Central Kentucky with his wife Cheryl, where he is a Christian author and community outreach chaplain.