Train Up a Child...

Parenting is not easy. It is a blessing and a joy, but it is challenging to say the least. I know I am not alone in this sentiment simply by looking at all of the parenting resources and books available today. While many of those books and resources can be helpful, Scripture contains everything we need to lead our children well. I would imagine that Proverbs 22:6 is the most frequently quoted verse for parenting. It states, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

At any given time, we are training our children - for better or for worse. According to the dictionary, to "train" is to "teach a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time." Our children imitate us. It is sometimes comical - and sometimes downright horrifying - to hear my own words come out of my children's mouths! What am I training them to do? What am I training them to say? How am I training them to serve God? How am I training them to respond to personal sin? My actions matter. My words matter. My worship matters. My repentance matters.

The most important thing we can do for our children is to point them to Christ. One way to do so is to read the Bible with them regularly. Help them develop a love for Scripture. Let them see you enjoy reading the Bible and talking about it. Make it a natural part of family bonding. It does not need to be anything formal or difficult. Our family has recently started reading through the Gospel of Mark during our family devotion time. It has been a very fruitful time for our family. My husband reads a short section of Scripture and then asks a few questions about the text and about how we can apply it. The girls are free to ask any questions they have. Then we share prayer requests, and one of us closes in prayer. This fifteen-minute period is very simple, but it is uniting our family together as we look to God. Find a way to prioritize Scripture reading with your family. We do our devotional time right after dinner when we are already together at the table, we are alert, and we do not have any distractions. Other times to consider are first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

Children are never too young for Scripture. God's Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12), and God promises that his Word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Your children do not have to understand every word you are reading right now, but they will understand far more than you expect. Children are ready to learn about God from his Word, and they have much to teach us about having a childlike faith. I am often amazed by my children's questions and the depths of their thoughts.

Colorful and engaging children's books can also be beneficial. Just make sure they do not replace the Bible. I have linked some of our favorite books below. In addition to reading them with your children, consider giving them as gifts to other little ones in your life. My children are in early elementary school, so my recommendations are primarily for 5-10 year olds.

Let's train our children well - one verse of Scripure at a time.

ESV Children's Bible

This Bible, geared for 5-10 year olds, is the one both of my children have. It contains the full Biblical text with 200 illustrations, maps, timelines, and other useful resources.

Everything A Child Should Know About God by Kenneth N. Taylor

This book is a concise introduction to systematic theology for children. It teaches them who God is and what he has done.

Everyone a Child Should Know by Clare Heath-Whyte

This book shows God’s faithfulness in the lives of believers who have gone before us. It features 52 inspiring, one-page biographies.

What Every Child Should Know About Prayer by Nancy Guthrie

This book is a helpful guide on how to talk to God in prayer. It is so important to teach our children to pray.

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton

My favorite children's book! It beautifully illustrates and tells the full story of the gospel. I have quoted several parts in adult Bible studies!

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

This children's storybook Bible takes familiar Bible stories and shows how every story points to Jesus.