💛 A Holy Calling, A Lasting Impact
In today’s world of distractions and fast-paced parenting advice, there’s something deeply comforting about the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 22:6. 📖
This verse is more than a piece of parenting counsel—it is a divine blueprint, a whispered promise from the heart of God to those entrusted with shaping little lives.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
To train up a child is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s an ongoing act of worship, a faithful walk of daily surrender.
The Hebrew word for “train” (חָנַךְ chanak) also carries the idea of “dedicating” or “initiating” a child into a way of life.
This tells us that our role as parents is not merely to instruct but to set apart, guide, and launch our children into the purposes of God.
🍼 Biblical Models of Godly Training
The Bible gives us precious glimpses into families who embraced this calling with faith:
🧎♀️ Hannah and Samuel
Hannah, a praying mother, dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord even before he was born (1 Samuel 1:11). After he was weaned, she brought him to the house of the Lord and entrusted him to Eli.
Samuel grew up hearing God’s voice and became one of Israel’s greatest prophets. One mother’s surrendered heart set the course for a lifetime of faithful service.
👩🦱 Lois, Eunice, and Timothy
In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul honors Lois and Eunice, Timothy’s grandmother and mother, for their sincere faith. Later, he reminds Timothy
“From childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” -2 Timothy 3:14–15
These women trained Timothy by planting Scripture deep into his young heart, equipping him for his future ministry alongside Paul.
👑 Jesus in His Youth
Even our Lord Jesus, though divine, “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were chosen to model obedience, Scripture, prayer, and trust in God.
Their everyday faith shaped Jesus’ early years before His public ministry.
🛠️ What Does “Training” Really Mean?
Training is not the same as controlling. It’s not about molding a child into our image—but guiding them to discover God’s design for their life. It includes:
- Modeling a life of faith (Philippians 4:9)
- Disciplining with grace and truth (Hebrews 12:11)
- Teaching God’s Word daily (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
- Praying for and with your child (James 5:16)
- Correcting in love, not anger (Ephesians 6:4)
- Celebrating progress, not perfection
Training happens in ordinary moments: while folding laundry, during car rides, at the dinner table, in bedtime prayers. These moments shape the soul more than any curriculum ever will.
🌱 Encouragement for the Weary Parent
To every parent who feels tired, who wonders if they’re doing enough, who sees slow progress or battles rebellion in their child—take heart.
God sees. He hears your prayers. And He is faithful to water the seeds you plant.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Sometimes the fruit is not immediate. But training is not about achieving results—it’s about walking in obedience.
God is the one who brings the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).
✨ Trust the Lord with the Outcome
We live in a culture that promotes quick success and external behavior. But God’s training method works from the inside out.
It’s not about raising perfect children—it’s about pointing them consistently to the Perfect One, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 127:3–5 says:
“Children are a heritage from the Lord… Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”
We are not only raising children; we are shaping arrows that will one day fly into the world with purpose, truth, and power.
🙏 A Parent’s Prayer
Father God, thank You for entrusting me with the precious lives of my children. Help me to train them in Your ways, not with fear or pressure, but with love and confidence in Your Word.
When I am tired, strengthen me. When I lack wisdom, guide me. Let my home be a place where Your truth is taught, Your love is felt, and Your name is honored.
May the seeds I sow today bear eternal fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🕊 Final Thoughts
“Train up a child in the way he should go” is not just a task—it’s a sacred mission.
You are the shepherd of a soul, the gardener of a heart, and the living curriculum your child reads every day.
✨ Keep going. Keep praying. Keep pointing them to Jesus.
Because when they are old, they will not depart from it.✨