Teach Your Children Well

"So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go."
2 Kings 2:2&3

King David spoke these words to his son Solomon. David was on his death bed and Solomon had already been anointed king of Israel and Judah. David needed his son to understand what he had known and lived by his entire life. David found that these things had been the source of his strength and success. He wanted the same kind of blessing to flow to his son through his life and his position as king. The words are powerful, not for just one generation, but for many.
    Of course, in the days of David and Solomon, Jesus had yet to be revealed. The only things they knew about God was to keep the commands that had been handed down to Moses. This was the way to love God. Still, the instructions given to Solomon are wise and important for us to follow today. We do need to be strong, be men and women of faith, find out what God requires of us and walk in his ways. We need to move toward holiness with the goal to live without sin. All of this is done so that we may prosper in our relationship with God and in our life here on earth.
    What I really want to talk about today is the fact that David taught his son. I have raised four children of my own who are now adults. Now I have grandchildren. my responsibility was and is to raise them in the ways of God. I have also observed other people who have raised children or are raising them. Most of those I know are Christians and their children have or are being raised in that environment. Still, when children become adults, they make their own choices. Some choose to follow God, others choose to go their own way. I can't help but believe that some of this is due to the environment that was established in their homes as they grew up. God promises us that if we train up our children in him, they will not depart from him when they are older. I know this is true. I also know that there can be heartache for parents and children between the time they leave home and the time when they come back to God. Avoiding this heartache is important and vital in every person's life.
    So I urge you parents, to raise your children in the way of the Lord. Talk about God regularly. Don't depend on the church to teach your children, teach them yourself. Let them see Christ in you. Give them a real life, flesh example of Jesus. It is never too late. If you have just come to Christ, start teaching them now. If you have known Jesus for a long time, make a new commitment to live like him and teach your children well. their future, their successes lie squarely in your hands as their teachers. This is not to cause shame, it is to bring a new awareness of the great responsibility we have. God is not only for one generation, but for many. Let us make sure the next generation knows God and fulfills his will better than we have.