Practical Ways to Train Christians

In the practice of the Christian religion the upbringing of the Christian child is of immense importance. This is the reason for which it is accorded preeminence in all of the Christian faith. For instance, parents, in clear terms are charged not to provoke their children to anger lest they be discouraged (Col 3: 21). The consequence, if parents act in disobedience to this biblical injunction is that the children will become discouraged. And if a child is discouraged it is most likely that he/she will resist good training. It will then be difficult, if not impossible, to preach amongst other things, salvation to such a child. This, therefore, is one responsibility that parents should learn not to toy with because it can make or break the child's salvation.

Little wonder then that it is a solemn obligation for Christian parents to give their children the instruction and correction that will amount to befitting qualities for Christian children. Parents themselves in their daily conducts are advised to be good reflectors of the right Christian life both in their actions and deeds - this plays up the maxim that 'you can't give what you don't have'.

To better act the role in a manner that will be useful to humanity, parents should tend their care and training toward children's salvation rather than dedicate the entirety of their energy to mundane pleasures like jobs, professions, ministries, money and social standing (Psalm 127:3).

Firm Christian teachings and instructions (Eph 6:4 and Col 3:21) hold parents duty-bound to give their children the upbringing that will make them pleasing to, and acceptable by God. By and large therefore, it becomes self-revealing that it is the family, not the church or Christian school that is essentially responsible for good spiritual training of the Christian child. Sunday school activities merely assist parental duties.

The purport of all of this is the child's heart. It is that the heart of the father should be turned to the heart of the child in order to bring the heart of the child to the heart of the CREATOR. Here is where the very heart of the nature of the Christian religion lies.

But in performing this all-important role, the parents, at every given moment, should be so broad-minded that they entertain no favoritism. Encouragement of the children is necessary. Correction is a must. Most of all punishment stands non-negotiable in dealing with matters bordering on intentional wrongdoing.

In closing, our principal charge to Christian parents remains: Instruct your children with patience and understanding. Dedicate your lives to your children with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness.

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