Bringing Up Children

Our text for today is:

Proverbs 22:6

“Train up a child in the way he should go;
    even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Over the years many Christians have debated this truth. However, It is a proverb and not a law. We ARE given free choice by God and so a person can choose to turn their life around, but there is a strong pull towards one’s upbringing. This is explained in an amazing poem by Dorothy Nolte called, 

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. 

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. 

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. 

If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. 

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. 

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. 

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. 

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. 

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. 

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. 

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, 

he learns to find love in the world.

This is a truth all experienced parents should know.

Lonnie Davis