We are Called to Create a Desire for God

PRAY OVER THIS

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

 

PONDER THIS

Do you know the word “train” comes from a Hebrew root related to what the midwives used to do when the little Hebrew babies were born? They would take an index finger, dip it in olive oil, and then dip it in crushed dates. Then they would take the little newborn baby and touch the pallet of that baby. That would begin the nursing instinct. It was to create a desire in the heart of that child to take nourishment. As a matter of fact, if you take your finger and rub it right back over the roof of your mouth, you’ll find instinctively you want to swallow. And that was the root of this word, which means to train up. It literally means to create a desire.

Oh, if parents today could create a desire for God in the hearts of their children. That’s the idea—create a desire in the heart of your child for God and when he’s old he will not depart from it. That’s what many have done throughout the generations of God’s people. And that is what God is calling us to do.

What are some ways to train children with a desire for God?

How can you actively be involved in this work with your own children or those close to you?

PRACTICE THIS

This week, take one action toward training children to have a desire for God.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers