Train UP
Mary and Baby Jesus - it starts here.
📜 The Word
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
—Proverbs 22:6
❓ The Meaning
“Train up” implies dedication and orientation, not control. The phrase “the way he should go” can be read as according to the child’s way—that means their unique behavior or style. It's not about patterning a specific outcome. We all learn to swim differently--I had to be thrown in the pool. My kids just jumped in.
"but it doesn't mean that-- it's discipline the verse is talking about." Stay with me.
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Fast forward more than an hour... this verse sent me down quite the path.
The Hebrew word used for "train up" has a more profound meaning than you probably took it to mean (yea, I looked it up). It means initiating, dedicating setting something in motion. More than that, it is devotional like dedicating a museum or a sacred place.
Wisdom is a custom gig and can't be mass-produced. You have to tailor the plan to the way the kid is. So, figure out WHO this kid is, then guide him toward God with the understanding of that foundation.
Formation shapes direction long after control is gone.
🌎 The World Behind the Word
I'm skipping the history lesson and continuing my sermon... Why? because I gotta give something to you grown-ups. (I don't pick the verses; I made a program that gives me a random one and then I dedicate my efforts around it. Otherwise, I'd probably hang out with Paul every day). Oh! That reminds me:
Jesus really brought the children into the bible. He hung out with them and when they were around, he made a point to honor them. They were the example to the adults. It was never the other way around! There is also a fairly stark contrast to how kids are portrayed between the Old and New testament. Old Testament-- "seen and not heard" (ehem! Mom and Dad!!)... New Testament--"Let's play catch!"
Some Kid scriptures for you to look at later:
Gospel of Mark 10:13–16
Gospel of Matthew 18:1–6
Gospel of Luke 18:15–1
In those you'll soon discover that the kids already knew how to live in the Kingdom-- it was the adults that needed to be taught. The kids were and still are full on partners in this mission, should be looked at as the model for formation, and reveal to us that which we have forgotten, or totally lost!
🌿 Covenant Contrast
Old Covenant thinking (misapplied):
“If I do everything right, outcomes are guaranteed. Failure later means failure now.”
New Covenant living (Romans 12:1):
“I offer my life—and influence—as worship. I trust God with outcomes while I practice faithful presence, modeling obedience rather than managing results.”
Formation is stewardship, not control.
🙏 Prayer
God of generations,
help me release fear over outcomes
and embrace faithfulness in the present.
Teach me to model truth with
patience, love, and trust
in Your work beyond my sight.
I release the errors of my formation,
and renew myself in your Love today.
Amen.
🤵 Pastoral Word
This proverb does not deny wandering.
It tells us, the adult, that formation leaves a residue—that truth planted early has a way of waiting patiently, even through seasons.
"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'" Matthew 18:2-5
🔥 Carry this With You Today
Plant faithfully. Trust God with the harvest and today, honor yourself as you would honor a child.
🎧 A Spoken Blessing
If you’d rather listen than read, this short benediction is for you. Let it settle the week and prepare you for the days ahead.
▶️ Listen to the Benediction
May what you received this week continue to steady you.
May fear loosen its grip as trust finds its footing.
Go into rest held, renewed, and unafraid.
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