Addie was a bit worried. Before we all sat down for Sunday dinner,
someone had started eating. She was concerned that we might forget to give
thanks.
Her concern was a good sign. It showed that at her young age, Addie was
beginning to form one of those good habits that parents teach their children as
part of their instructions for life. This little routine, for instance, helps
her see the value of prayer and thanksgiving, which can be a powerful resource
for her in the years ahead.
Raising children in an age of hostility toward the Christian faith is
not easy. Parents wonder how best to help their little ones learn to trust the
Savior and live to please Him. Proverbs indicates that a key to directing
children is through purposeful instruction by parents (Prov. 1:8)
on such things as listening to wisdom (2:2), seeking discernment (2:3), understanding
the fear of the Lord (2:5), recalling parents’ teaching (3:1), and gaining
insight (4:1). These become habitual when parents give instruction and when
children “retain” those words of teaching (4:1-4).
Got kids or grandkids? It’s never too early to begin instructing them in
wise living.
The character of your children tomorrow depends on what you put into their hearts today. (RBC)
