Train up a child

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

This verse, along with Ephesians 6:1 (Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right), are probably the most well known verses in the Bible when it comes to raising children. 

But what does Proverbs 22:6 mean? I've heard several messages over the years and I always lean back to this meaning: when your children are young, teach them about God. Show them the way to have peace in their lives. Teach them about forgiveness; both asking and receiving it. Sing songs of praise with them, so they would always have a glimpse of joy in their minds. Read to them and then listen, while they read back to you. Pray with them and allow them to talk to God with their own words (not just reciting the Lord's Prayer as found in Matthew 6:9-13). Worship with them in 'big' church. Teach them about the importance of communion and baptism. Play with them - show them how to live with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and (especially) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). Children are sponges - from birth to Kindergarten. These are the years we should be concentrating on - to build their foundation in the Lord.

With such a foundation, the child will be wearing the Armor of God, without even realizing it. Though, there may be a time, when they do and decide (which is ok - God gives us the ability to choose) to take it off. Thankfully, parents have already begun praying for this possible scenario; and now have asked other prayer warriors to join in. Teenagers and young adults may walk away from the church during this season of their lives. They may try worldly things. But I believe, that they will turn back to God, because they have that foundation in Him, that was built strong through the early years - it will sustain them and they will return. It might not be til they are married or until they have children of their own, and they remember the love they found with their family, and with their church family.

So train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Others say, the training doesn't happen until after high school graduation; or when they are married with children. Although I myself didn't accept Christ as my Lord and Savior til I was 19, I would have loved growing up in a Christian home, similar to what my kids had experienced. And although my choices aren't always leaning toward God, I know that He will always love me no matter what; and I will, in return, love Him back.

So what would you say this verse means?