The Bible clearly says “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). But sometimes it doesn’t work. Sometimes it seems like an impossible task. So where is the key to this verse? I don’t have all the answers, but surely there are many factors.

Is the clue in the “when he is old” part? Do you have to wait till old age for them to turn to the Lord? I’ve seen that in some people. They lived life on their own terms and made a wreck of their lives, families and others around them. Finally, they decided their only option is to turn to the Lord. Nice, but sad to see the mess they left behind.

Some focus on the phrase: “in the way he should go,” implying that there was something flawed with the training given to the children. And that’s not so simple. Each person and their families have their own way. What seems right to one doesn’t seem to fit with others.

Still others focus on the “train up” part, implying that there are many parents who don’t take an active role in the training of their children. They leave it to the school or to the church and Sunday school.

When it comes to their personal faith, I’ve heard two views. One says that parents should allow the children to choose. They suggest parents should not be too pushy about salvation, baptism, church attendance, etc. Still others insist that parents need to take an active role in these matters. It is suggested that if children are left to “wander” in their faith, someone else will step in and provide another path.

What do you think?
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