Proverbs 22:6

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

This bible verse has been going through my head for a couple of reasons. The first is because of my own children. My 13 year old daughter is on staff at our church in the nursery/preschool and she has been for a couple years now. Currently, she is in a discipleship program and leading worship in the Youth Group. My 10 year old son is very active in Royal Rangers and is the highest ranking boy in our whole church. They both will pray with anyone, anywhere, and anytime. They love to serve their community and have a heart for missions work. I couldn't be prouder. I am so blessed.

The other reason this verse is on my heart is because of another family that I know... one who doesn't have a strong belief system. One who throws around the name "Jesus Christ" as its a swear word... who says they'll pray for people because they don't know what else to say. One who goes to church to show off, rather than to really worship. In turn, this family is going through alot of struggles... financial, health, and most recently with a straying child.

Honestly, it hurts my heart... which in turn makes me think of what it's doing to God. He wants a relationship with us. He wants to love us and have us love Him in return. He sent His son to die for our sins, to give us a chance at salvation. Why wouldn't we want that?

I know its not my place to judge but that's where that verse comes into play... if their children knew God at a younger age, would they have lost this child to drugs and girls? I don't know... I just hope that with my own children the values they have instilled in them now will help deter them from those things in the future.

All I can do is pray for them... really pray for them, not just say it because I don't know what else to say.