Generational Responsibility


Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:15 (NIV)
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it away.”

There have been a lot of discussions in my church, and in other groups that I am in, about “When did our societies values degrade? What generation is responsible? And who is responsible?” Each generation seems to point the finger and blame the younger generation. I hear each age group say “My generation is not as bad as,” this generation or that generation. I surely tell you that each prior generation is responsible for the subsequent generation.

It all starts with how children are raised. What are they taught? Are they taught that the Bible and God are the ultimate authority? Are they taught to take it literal or that it is okay to bend the rules? How are they disciplined? Are they disciplined? I have seen with my own eyes, each generation gets less strict and lessens the punishment. I have heard generations’ stories of the punishment they received and then decide that they will not punish their children in that way. If they are punished, do they know why?

We are told here in Proverbs to start children off in the way that they should go. Teach your children that the bible should be the source of what is right and wrong. That God is the ultimate authority. Doing this I believe you have to accompany verse 15. It tells you that folly is in the heart of the child and that they need to be disciplined. If a child sees that there is no punishment for their actions then they will continue in disobedience. The bible speaks of using a rod for correction, so with that I believe the punishment should probably hurt. To go along with that, the parent has to let the child know what they did wrong and the reason for the punishment. I hear parents say’ “because I said so,” all of the time. At least reference the fifth commandment. With that being said I am not condoning child abuse but a healthy spanking with a righteous motive, not just out of anger.

If you have children, remember that you are responsible for how they turn out. It is your job to raise them in the way they should go. It is easier to do something if you know why you are doing it. Teach them to reference the Bible for what is right and wrong. Teach them to read the Bible and instill that habit early. Teach them to prioritize the Bible and obedience to God over other wants and desires. Most importantly live the way you desire for them to live.

Challenge: Evaluate how you are living. Are you living how you would want your children to live. (If you do not have children pretend)

 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 (NIV)

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