Train Them Up

by Pastor Bob Lawrenz, September 23, 2012 Whenever I see young parents around town or at the Mall, the Proverb to train them up in the way they should go comes to mind (Prov. 22:6). It is a Proverb that is easy to say, and takes a life-long commitment to do. It takes disciplined adults to look at their childrens behaviors and realize that each moment can be a teachable moment. It takes insight and foresight to instill values and self-discipline into every heart, regardless of age. Choosing the good over the evil takes practice. As children of God, we are all liable to find ourselves on the receiving end of Gods discipline. We might label it as a testing, or going through the refiners fire, but Gods chastenings are for our good; to make us better, and a more representative reflection of the heart of our heavenly Father: full of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. And lets not forget that His heart is full of love for us too. Love is the great motivator in many of the Doctrines of Christ. Consideration for the weak and empathy for the hurting are cornerstones of religious faith. Many churches engage in those things. Have you been challenged in those areas lately? Reaching out to the masses through a ministry is one way. Reaching out to offer assistance to the person next to you is a much more personal thing. Their situation provokes a response from us directly, not to recommend a ministry that might intervene. Not a week goes by that there is not at least one editorial of thanks given to an anonymous benefactor during an earlier crisis. It is such an encouragement to all knowing that a kindness has occurred and it touched someones heart enough to write a public note of Thanks. It may be a true helping hand, or just a simple word of encouragement to someone that we see is trying hard while being tried. As sheep beget sheep, Disciples beget Disciples. Be that encourager for a young parent when it seems they are at their wits end. Step up to the plate with a warm smile when trouble overwhelms someone next to you somewhere. Put our faith into action. You may only touch their life for a moment, and then again, you may touch their life for an eternity. That in ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:7 -