_Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD_
_Wednesday, July 1st 2026_
*TRAIN THEM IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO*
_Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it_ *(Proverbs 22:6)*_
There’s a clear instruction from the Word concerning the upbringing of children, and it’s not subject to personal opinion or modern cultural trends. The Bible says, *“Train up a child in the way he should go,”* not in the way he chooses, not in the way society suggests, and not even in the way you merely prefer, but in the way he should go. That way is defined by God’s Word.
Some today have adopted a flawed mindset in raising their children, saying, *“In our home, everyone is free to decide what they want to believe or how they want to serve God.”* That’s not a Christian home. Christianity is not a democracy of beliefs. When you choose to raise a Christian home, there’s a standard and that standard is the Word of God.
The Bible speaks of those who *“...did not like to retain God in their knowledge...”* (Romans 1:28). That condition doesn’t start suddenly in adulthood; it’s often the result of a lack of proper training and structure in the formative years. When children are not guided on the right way to serve God, they grow up without the consciousness of God and that absence can lead to grave spiritual consequences.
You don’t negotiate spiritual discipline with a child because the Bible says foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but discipline helps to get rid of it: *“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him”* (Proverbs 22:15). As a Christian parent, don’t entertain the idea of your child deciding not to go to church. Don’t raise children to follow their impulses; raise them to walk in truth.
When you insist on God’s way, consistently, firmly and with love, you’re not being harsh; you’re being obedient to divine instruction. And the result is guaranteed: when they’re old, they won’t depart from it. That training becomes a spiritual compass within them, guiding their choices and preserving their lives.
You’re not called to raise children who merely grow; you’re called to raise children who know God, walk in His ways, and live according to His truth. That responsibility is divine and must be taken seriously.
*PRAYER*
_Dear Father, thank you for your grace and wisdom at work in my life. I walk in the light of your Word, applying your truth with consistency, love and firmness. My home is established on your Word, and those under my care are nurtured in righteousness, growing with the consciousness of your presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen._
*FURTHER STUDY:*
*Ephesians 6:4 NIV* Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
*2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV* But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
*Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV* These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
*1 Year Bible Reading Plan :* Acts 15:22-35; Esther 5-7
*2 Year Bible Reading Plan :* 2 Corinthians 11:10-33; Isaiah 20
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