The Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan for today includes Proverbs 22. Verse 6 says this:
6Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
I have always loved this verse in the Amplified Bible because it recognizes the very distinct individuality of each human being! Every baby born into this world has an individual and unique calling and plan of God for their life! It is the responsibility of the parents to pray and recognize the gifts and talents that God has given to each child and to nurture them. To train means so much more than just to teach! It is a hands-on action that involves being an example of diligence, faithfulness, patience, love and acceptance. SHOW them how to best use their gifts and talents. If you don't have any skills in that area, then trust the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct you to someone who does! Training children involves so much more than just feeding them, clothing them and giving them a place to live! As parents we will NEVER be perfect, but when we do what WE can do, God will fill in for our weaknesses! Part of this training is found in verse 15:
15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
This is NOT something done in anger, frustration or impatience! Correction is the key word here! The rod, or spanking, is to be used for deliberately defiant behavior and accompanied by the Word of God to show that! Done in love, with the proper training, this will cause the child to understand boundaries and how to control themselves. Remember, these are GOD'S Words, not mine! But I do know, from experience, that it works! No one wants to spend time around an undisciplined child or adult! Don't rob your child of the opportunity to succeed by failing to train and discipline them according to the Word of God! They will become a delight to you AND to the world! Amen! Here are a few pictures that i found that are very inspiring!
Shalom in Him!
