Proverbs 22:6 reads, Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (NIV) During my drive from Champaign, IL to Kansas City, I felt impressed by God to consider what this is saying. The verse is a cause and effect statement. A child is trained in the faith and the effect is they will live it out.

But how do you define the act of train?

The verb train in this verse is an imperative or strict command. The training of the child is not a choice. I have to be intentional every day to train my children in the faith.

What does this say to me as a parent?

It tells me to daily encourage my children in the faith. Each day I must teach God's word and be a living example to my children.

Where does the church fit in?

The church is a part of the whole where people are encouraged and built up in the faith. But let us apply some perspective to training my children. If my children attend Northland Cathedral on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, and they will, the total time is only four and a half hours. There are 168 hours in a week.

What is the conclusion?

The training of my children first and foremost begins at home (cause) and therefore they will embrace the faith for eternity (effect).