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

What kind of treasure do you want to bequeath to your children in this life? What is the one thing you could give them that would be most beneficial to them in life? 

I am sure that answers like good formal education, money, houses, cars, and businesses will lead in our responses. These things are good, and King Solomon had them in abundance. Yet, despite all his riches and fame, King Solomon did not plead with his son to seek more of them. In the first seven chapters of Proverbs, he admonishes his son to listen and abide by his teachings, that it would go well with him in life.  

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about the vanity of riches, fame, and pleasure. He wisely counsels his son against their ensnarement. Instead, he pleads with his son to choose godly instructions as the recipe for prosperous living.

The most significant duty of every father is to train his children the way they should go, that when they are old, they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6). That blessed way is Christ Jesus (John 14:6). It is a God-given responsibility no father should neglect. When the father has done this, then he can expect the guidance and counsel he has given to the child to guide him in life. 

Unfortunately, most fathers today do not make time to instruct their children as Solomon did. They are too busy working to make a good living for their families. They have abrogated this critical role to housemaids, schools, electronic devices, television, movie stars, athletes, and many others. It is not surprising that we have confused our children today. 

On this Father’s Day, the Lord wants all fathers to take their role seriously and devote more time to the upbringing of their children. When you do, you give Him space to use your godly teachings and guidance to prosper them for victorious living in Christ.

To all fathers: Happy Father’s Day