Parenting is one of the most profound responsibilities a person can undertake. It’s not merely about raising a child to survive in the world, but about shaping a soul to thrive in righteousness, wisdom, and purpose.
Here’s an excerpt from the Irish Journal of Educational Practices: “Positive parenting practices that promote empathy, responsibility, and moral reasoning can significantly contribute to the formation of a healthy conscience, thereby fostering a more responsible, just, and morally conscious society.”
The Bible offers timeless guidance on this task, most notably in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse encapsulates the heart of biblical parenting—intentional, consistent, firm, and spiritually grounded.
Understanding “The Way He Should Go”
The phrase “the way he should go” implies more than just moral instruction. It suggests a path tailored to the child’s God-given (not carnally-driven) disposition, talents, and calling. Every child is unique, “God’s masterpiece” Ephesians 2:10, and biblical training involves discerning that uniqueness and nurturing it toward godliness.
Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that each child is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Parents are stewards of that divine design. Training a child in “his way” means helping him discover his identity in Christ and equipping him to walk in it faithfully.
Biblical Foundations for Training
- Teach God’s Word Daily
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Biblical training is not confined to Sunday school or bedtime prayers. It’s a lifestyle of weaving God’s truth into everyday moments—mealtimes, car rides, discipline, and celebration. - Model Righteous Living
Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. Paul exhorts believers in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Biblical academies like DFA emphasise the importance of embodying the values you wish to instill. Integrity, humility, forgiveness, and faithfulness should be visible in your actions. When your children see you living out your faith authentically, they are more likely to embrace it themselves. - Discipline with Love and Purpose
Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Discipline is not about punishment but correction. It should be rooted in love, not anger. Hebrews 12:11 acknowledges that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Consistent, loving discipline helps children understand boundaries, consequences, and the value of obedience. - Pray Over Your Child
Prayer is a powerful tool in parenting, don’t neglect it. James 5:16 declares, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Pray for wisdom, pray for your child’s protection, for their spiritual growth, and for discernment in guiding them. Prayer invites God into the parenting process and acknowledges that He is the ultimate Father.
Nurturing Character and Faith
Training a child biblically involves cultivating virtues like kindness, patience, courage, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit—qualities that should be nurtured in children through encouragement, correction, and example.
Moreover, children should be taught to love God and others. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39 that the greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” These principles should be the foundation of every lesson, story, and discipline.
The Long-Term Vision
Proverbs 22:6 promises that if a child is trained rightly, “when he is old he will not depart from it.” This doesn’t guarantee a perfect path, but it assures that seeds planted in youth will bear fruit in time. Even if a child strays, the truth instilled early can draw him back.
Isaiah 55:11 affirms that God’s Word “will not return to [Him] void, but will accomplish what [He] desires.” You must trust that your labor in training is not in vain.
My Final Thoughts
Training a child in the way he should go is a sacred calling. It requires wisdom, patience, consistency, and deep reliance on God. By grounding parenting in Scripture, modeling Christ-like behavior, and nurturing a child’s unique design, parents can raise children who not only succeed in life but walk faithfully with God.
The journey is long, but the reward is eternal. As Psalm 127:3 declares, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Let us honor that reward by training them in the way they should go.
Would you like to join a community that not only teaches you exactly how to train your child in a godly way, but gives your family a structured and consistent environment to grow spiritually? Join the Discipleship Family Academy today and take the guesswork out of raising your children spiritually.
