Train Up a Child (Blog #20)

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." [Proverbs 22:6 NIV] As a child growing up, I remember a poem that had been written out in one of my older sister's handwriting. The title of the poem was "Take Time". It is now presented on the Internet as an inspirational poem; the author is unknown.

TAKE TIME

Take time to think... it is the source of power.
Take time to play... it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to pray... it is the greatest power on earth.
Take time to love and be loved... it is a God-given privilege.
Take time to be friendly... it is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh... it is the music of the soul.
Take time to give... it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work... it is the price of success.
Take time to do charity... it is the key to heaven.

Author Unknown

There is another inspirational poem which I received as a young father from the same sister who had written out the previous poem in her very lovely handwriting. It is entitled "Children Learn What They Live" and perhaps you will recognize it.

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
Dorothy Law Nolte

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 fear, he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself.

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

If a child lives with jealousy, he learns what envy is.

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

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.

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

If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.

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

If a child lives with recognition, he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing, he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness, he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness, he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity, your child will live with peace of mind.

Up until this point, I really haven't stated much other than to introduce you to the two inspirational and motivational poems presented above. Based on the Old Testament scripture from the Book of Proverbs, I would offer the following interpretation. It would seem to be true that children learn what they live and exemplify that in their own lives. Therefore, if you train a child to hide the truth and outright lie, then when he is older he will become an expert liar. If you train to a child to hate and fear, when she is older she will harbor hate and fear which is unfounded. If a child lives with inappropriate anger and outrage, then that same child will not be able to contain his own anger or express it appropriately. If you attempt to train a child by insulting her or shaming her, when that child is older she will lack self-confidence and self-worth.

Parents, God has given you a great responsibility and an opportunity. Many "Christian" parents may try to enforce the commandment without remembering that God speaks to them as parents as well. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' — which is the first commandment with a promise— 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers [and mothers], do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." [Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV] What are your children living with?

~ DB Turnmire