Training Your Child for Eternity

In 1888, J.C. Ryle, the English writer, pastor, and father of five, wrote a sermon called “The Duties of Parents.” It was a 17 point sermon on Proverbs 22:6. These were his closing words to his church that day:

“Train well for this life, and train well for the life to come; train well for earth, and train well for heaven; train them for God, train them for Christ, and train them for eternity. Amen.”

Though this sermon (and now book) has many great biblical insights, encouragements, and reminders, there is one phrase that has both stuck out, and stuck with me. It is the phrase, “train them for eternity.” To put it simply, Ryle is reminding Christian parents to teach and train children for what really matters.

In a culture where the opportunities (most of which are good) are endless, it is easy, if not tempting, to lose sight of eternity.

As parents, our most prized priority must be to diligently and graciously train our children to grow up to love God and love the world. One of the greatest joys we have as parents is to teach, guide, warn, and encourage our children from the Bible. Several years ago, my daughter said to me, “Dad, I am glad you are a pastor.” When I asked her why she said, “Because you teach us the Bible.” The truth is, every parent should be (and can be) a pastor to his or her children.

In an effort to continue teaching and training our children the Bible, I created a simple discipleship resource called, The Dig for Kids. The Dig has been my personal desire and attempt to teach our children the Bible from an early age. The Apostle Paul makes an interesting comment regarding Timothy’s training as a child. Notice what he says in 2 Timothy 3:14-15:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Paul suggests that Timothy, from a very young age, was being taught the Bible. The Dig is a simple resource to help you as a parent, and your child, study through books of the Bible. Then out of that experience, biblical principles are learned and lived. The goal of course, is that our children fall in love with Jesus as their Savior and grow up to follow Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.

For 48 Hours only you can purchase The Dig for Kids Luke Vol. 1 & 2 on Kindle for $2.99 or Paperback for $9.99!