Listen to this devotion
The Parenting Profession
In the Word
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
Of the Word
Advanced degrees are required for those in many professions — doctors, lawyers, pastors, engineers. Yet parenting, probably the most important profession one can have, requires no advanced degree.
Parents are to be guides, supporters, and encouragers as they help children discover their talents, develop their abilities, and use their gifts. Most importantly, God commands that parents be responsible for their spiritual training. When the writer of Proverbs reminds us to Train up a child in the way he should go… “the way” is God’s way.
Parents cheer at ball games and applaud at dance recitals, but how much more important it is to be actively involved in a child’s spiritual growth! A Christian parent’s daily example is a child’s best sermon.
Parenting never ends — just as praying for one’s children is a life-long privilege. And no advanced degree is needed for that.
A Point to Ponder: Who was most faithful in teaching me the way— God’s way — for my life?
Walking with my Lord
Thank You, Lord, for enabling Christian parents to teach their children of Your love. Help me to share my faith by both word and example. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
