Raising children is not easy. Trying to get them to the point of where you want to get them is challenging!
But perhaps even more challenging is finding clarity on what that point is!
In raising kids we should ask often – which way are we going?
Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Which way is that way?
Here are 2 concerns we need to recognize in parenting:
- 1) IT IS NOT “THE WAY” YOU ARE GOING
The direction we are to raise our kids is toward God and His ways. “The way” mentioned in Proverbs 22:6 is not the parents’ way – it is God’s way. Parents must be able to self-examine and see how they are living. Parents must be self-aware. Raising kids to be like you if you are not going God’s way will surely result in some confusion and frustration.
If the parents are going God’s way, then praise the Lord! May their kids go in that same direction.
If the parents are not going God’s way, then it is concerning that they kids may end up going that way too. - 2) IT IS NOT “THE WAY” YOU WANT THEM TO GO
The direction we are to raise our kids is toward God and His ways. “The way” mentioned in Proverbs 22:6 is not simply whatever way the parents desire for them to go. It is God’s way. Parents must submit their wishes and desires for their kids to God’s purposes for their lives.
Parents often push their kids in directions that they do not want to go. Parents often push their kids in directions that only the parents desire. And sadly, parents often try to live out their goals through their kids.
If the parents’ desires are for the kids to go God’s way, then praise the Lord! May their kids go in that direction, wherever that God-honoring direction takes them.
If the parents’ desires for the kids are not in the direction of God’s way, then it is concerning that the kids may end up going in the way of their parents desires but not God’s way.
Parenting is a gift from God. And Jesus tells us that He is the Way. Whatever children grow up to do and to be, may they do that as they trust and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.