Readers' Favorites - How Many Times

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

I was thinking about this Scripture today because of the stories I hear from friends and family alike.

She did what?!? She must have learned that from one of the other kids at school – she never heard that at home!

Why would he do that at school?!? And in front of the principal?!? I taught him better than that!! 

When will he learn? How many times do I have to tell him?

There is so much material for a comedy routine at a school! When I worked at the elementary school, we used to say we could have our own hit sitcom if we just had a video camera running during the day.

However, on the not-so-funny side of it, I know so many Christian parents who are standing on this promised proverb that is our text for today. Let me encourage them somewhat. I think there are those children who take a little longer to “get old.” And so we wait with patience… sometimes it’s the oxymoronic frustrated patience…

Remember the Scripture in Hebrews 4 that tells how Jesus was tempted in all points just like us, but sinned not? Well, there’s one in Hebrews 5 where the writer sure sounds to me as though he’s exasperated - I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again…

Always, it’s a matter of training and sometimes re-training. It’s finding the right combination of words and practice to get the point across. We don’t all learn the same things at the same pace or in the same way - whether we’re children - or children of God. Thank God His mercies are new every morning. Thank God His lovingkindnesses are better than life. Thank God for His Word in John 1:12 that declares, But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. King James calls it the power to become His children.

We have this blessed assurance. He doesn’t give up on us. Philippians 1:6 NLT promises, And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Oh…THAT’S when we’ll learn! So don’t give up. Keep trying - no matter how many times it takes…

Prayer:

Father,
           Let us not be weary in well-doing. Strengthen us by Your example, Lord. Let us love as You love and be merciful one to another, so that we may learn. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen