Through the Generations
“Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
After a busy season of extra shifts, our son Alec – an EMT/Fireman, had some extra time on his hands and put his energy towards home projects that have been on Rob’s “to-do” list.
As each project completed, it was my joy that Alec would call me to “check it out”. I know my son is smart and able and I have absolutely no doubt in what he can accomplish. God has blessed him with many talents and the work in him by the Holy Spirit this last year or so has been amazing. Even so, seeing each of the finished projects I found myself happily surprised!
Later Rob and Alec partnered for larger projects and as I listened in, I heard Rob teaching Alec as he would lead out and then, just as importantly, Rob would switch places so Alec could learn by doing.
Rob had learned at the hands of his father and now we see our adult son reaping the blessings as he puts into action what he has been taught.
As important as it is to know how to fix something in or around the house – and let me tell you that is important. Me – I’m not allowed to use power tools…let’s summarize it with this – power drill in reverse but what a blessing because on the other side of the wall where I was trying to drive a screw…electrical panel. Enough said. More important than tools, driving cars, a father teaching son to respect women – is to tell your children about Jesus. Selah’s performance of “Sweet, Sweet Song of Salvation” comes to mind.
Without Jesus nothing matters. We know that this life on earth is temporary and there is an eternal life. We have a choice – life in Jesus or mere existence and that existence, a life apart from Him, not only an empty existence on earth but far worse an eternity in hell. We have a choice.
Just because we do train up a child in the way they should go, that we point them to our Savior, this does not mean they will be saved. They do have a choice, we all do. But – raising them with accountability, reminding that there are consequences, and teaching them the Truth; that is what we as parents are called to do.
May we always teach our children, not just in word but also in deed. May we show them our commitment to God in how we love our spouse, our children, our church family, and how we serve others. These things do not return a paycheck. No – they return something of greater value – an abiding and transformational relationship with Jesus. And when we fail, because we will!!! I know from plenty of experience- this is opportunity for humility and repentance. Another teaching opportunity.