It is a holy privilege to see what God sees inside our children and then speak it into existence:
Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6 NKJV)
In Hebrew, that verse literally reads, “Train up a child according to the way of him, and when he is old, he will not depart from him.”
Many people think the “him” in that verse refers to God, which means they read the verse this way: “Train a child up in God’s way, so he will continue to choose God even when he is old.” Such training in the Lord is important. Children should certainly be taught to follow the Lord!
But that is not actually what this proverb is saying.
In ancient Hebrew culture, the proverbs were popular sayings that stood alone, without context. The only “him” mentioned within the context of this proverb is the child. Therefore, this is the most accurate way to read Proverbs 22:6:
“Train up a child according to the way of the child—the way God made him. Find out who he is, and teach him to be himself. See the desires God placed in his heart, and train him to follow these things.”
One of the major delights of God’s heart is seeing His kids be who He made them to be. As parents, we get to partake in this delight.
Why Is the Heart Important?
Inner healing works only when the heart is involved. Many of us were taught as children to disregard our heart and pay more attention to the mind instead. Western culture tends to glorify the mind. But the mind and heart are both important—to the extent that we won’t be fully healed if we approach healing solely from the mind.
Each of us grows from the inside out, according to a divine blueprint and timetable set by our heavenly Father. He knows the good plan He has for us, and that plan is unique.
I know the plans that I have for you, declares Yahweh. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. (Jer. 29:11 NOG)
He writes the outline of that plan on each child’s heart. As parents, we get to rely on the Holy Spirit, look into the heart of our child, and then train that child according to how God made them—uniquely, beautifully, exactly what the world needs.
What About YOU?
Today as an adult, do you feel cut off from God’s design? Do you wish you knew what that design was, because you have no clue? Were you never encouraged as a child to become who God made you to be?
The good news is, that ship has not sailed without you! It is not too late. Nothing is lost.
God has used Course 201: Heart Healing Essentials to help thousands of people around the world step into who they really are. If you know something needs to change in your life, and you want everything He has for you, maybe it’s time to check out the 201. Click here to learn more.
This article is based on Restoring the Christian Family by the Sandfords. Families of God CAN cut free of dysfunction, learn how to forgive, and experience new life in the Spirit. Click here.