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.
