“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6, NLT).

The book of Proverbs is unique among the other books of the Bible. The writings and advice in its verses are largely attributed to King Solomon, the wisest man to have ever lived, based on living his life in the will of God.

It is also the only book in the Bible where we hear a Godly man’s reflection on what God has put into his heart as wise counsel. But, because it is the words of a man, while the words are true, they are not meant to be absolute promises or commands like the other books of the Bible that are truly God’s words to us.

For example, in the verse above are we actually GUARANTEED that our children will stay on the right path as they get older? If it were true across the board, then we would never see kids raised in a Christian home reject God when they become older.

Instead, what we are guaranteed is that by following these Proverbs they will have the BEST SHOT in not leaving God’s will as they get older, but there are still the temptations of the world and free will that can pull them away from God’s will.

This is why it is so important to raise our children with the knowledge and truth of Jesus? So that as they grow older, they will be well equipped to stand firm in the faith against the temptations of the world that would lead them down the wrong path.

This requires that we, as adults, give our children the best possible example of living by showing them how we conduct ourselves in a Godly manner, consistent with the Bible. That we teach them God’s Word and teach them how to pray.

When we do these things, God DOES GUARANTEE to walk with us along the way. “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8, NLT).  Then, it’s up to us, and our children, to CHOOSE to follow the Lords guidance on HIS PATH.

Our kids are our legacy. It is up to us to fill them with the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and love them and teach them the best possible path through a walk of faith in the STEPS OF JESUS.

David McCall

Executive Pastor