Project Description

2014/05

A Word To Women

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

A few months ago I became a grandmother for the first time when our little grandson, Elijah, was born. It was a truly joyous occasion for all the family – and it made me think afresh of our responsibility to teach the Word of God to boys and girls!

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 commanded the Israelites to teach diligently the laws of God to their children. The older generations were charged to instruct the boys and girls under their control. Of course, there are many things vital for the well being of little ones. It is important that they are clothed and well fed, their health and medical care is attended to, that they are given every opportunity to further their education. However, there is nothing as important as training them in the ways of God! Children must be trained in the way that is right [Proverbs 22:6]. Parents soon realize that fact, for our children learn very quickly to say ‘no’ to everything!

When you are teaching those under your care – in Sunday School, Children’s Meeting, Holiday Bible Club, as a mother in the home, or a grandmother when the little ones come round – always remember that telling them of Christ lays a foundation for eternity. If the archer is to hit the target, the arrow must be pointed in the right direction. Teaching the children is about pointing them in the right direction, and laying a foundation upon which they can build for the rest of their lives. Let us lay those foundations well!

Think of Timothy’s grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice [2 Timothy 1:5]. They taught him the Scriptures from childhood [2 Timothy 3:15]. There is very little said about these ladies in the Bible, yet what a legacy they have in Timothy, a minister of the Word and also a labourer with Paul. What a tremendous privilege Timothy enjoyed as a child! But he was not brought up in an ideal family situation. His Jewish mother, Eunice, was married to a Gentile and they were living in a pagan city [Acts 16:3]. Yet Timothy was instructed from infancy. Eunice remained true to the Scriptures, even though no mention is made of her husband’s salvation or of any ability or desire to instruct Timothy spiritually. Be encouraged if you find yourself in a similar position. Like Eunice, you too can be a power for good in your family, by teaching the little ones and praying faithfully for them. Paul reminds us of the influence a believing family member can exert over unbelievers in the home (1 Corinthians 7:14).

John Newton was only 8 years old when his mother died. After his conversion, he recalled the enduring example she had been to him in those early years. Although he fell into deep sin as a young man, that early influence never left him. God answered his mother’s prayers many years later, saving him and using him extensively as a preacher and hymn writer. The precious seed which his mother had sown, at length, brought forth a wonderful harvest!

Let us be encouraged. God can use that simple word which we sow prayerfully in the hearts of the children. It is not how eloquent we are in teaching, or how experienced. Remember, it is the Word of God which we seek to impart, and He has promised that His Word will not return unto Him void, but will accomplish that which He pleases (Isaiah 55:11).

Alison Armstrong