Proverbs 22:6 – Godly Parenting Insights

Don’t Leave the Children Behind

God never intended children to be spectators in the faith. Discover why Moses refused to leave the children behind and how Scripture teaches parents to disciple their children from the very beginning.

Exodus 10:9 (KJV)

“And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the Lord.”

One of the most overlooked lessons in the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is Moses’ refusal to leave the children behind.

As Pharaoh’s heart grew harder, he began to negotiate with God’s command. At one point, he was willing to let the adults go but wanted the children to remain in Egypt. It sounded like a reasonable compromise. Yet Moses refused.

He boldly declared:

“We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go…”

Why?

Because worship is not only for adults. Serving God is not something children should discover later in life. They are to be part of God’s people from the very beginning.

This truth is echoed throughout Scripture.

Train Them Early

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

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

Notice that Scripture says train up a child, not an adult. God places the responsibility on parents and guardians to begin early, laying a biblical foundation before the world lays its own.

Every child is a gift from God and should be introduced to God’s Word from the earliest years.

God Knows Every Child Before Birth

God’s purpose for our children does not begin when they become adults. It begins with Him.

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”

If God knows a child before birth, then parents should recognise that raising a child is a sacred stewardship. We are nurturing lives that God already knows and has a purpose for.

Timothy Learned the Scriptures from Childhood

Timothy became a faithful servant of Christ, but that did not happen by accident.

Paul reminded him:

2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy’s spiritual strength was built on a foundation laid in childhood. Someone took the time to teach him God’s Word while he was still young.

What an encouragement to every parent, grandparent, guardian, and teacher.

Jesus Was Brought Up in the Things of God

Even our Lord Jesus Christ gives us an example.

The Scriptures tell us that His earthly parents faithfully took Him to Jerusalem every year according to the Feast of the Passover.

Luke 2:41 (KJV)

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.”

By the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the temple, listening, asking questions, and speaking with understanding.

Although He was the Son of God, His parents still raised Him in a home where worship, obedience, and the things of God were part of everyday life.

Godly parenting is not simply providing food, clothing, and education. It is intentionally surrounding our children with God’s Word until His truth becomes the foundation of their lives.

Don’t Leave the Children Behind

Today’s world has many attractions competing for the hearts of our children.

The greatest mistake parents can make is assuming children are too young to know God.

Moses understood something every parent should remember: the whole family belongs before God.

When we pray, let them pray with us.
When we study God’s Word, let them study with us.
When we worship, let them worship with us.
When we serve the Lord, let them serve alongside us.

Don’t leave the children behind.

Bring them into God’s presence while their hearts are still tender.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the children You have entrusted to us. Give us grace to faithfully teach them Your Word from their earliest years. Help us never to leave them behind but to lead them into a genuine relationship with You. May they grow to love, obey, and serve You all the days of their lives. In the name Jesus the Christ, Amen.

Please Note:

The best inheritance we can leave our children is not wealth or success, but a life firmly rooted in God’s Word. Start early. Walk with them. Worship with them. Teach them faithfully, and trust God to establish them in His perfect will.

I pray that God empowers every parent, every guardian, every teacher, and everyone entrusted with the responsibility of raising children to faithfully train them in the way of the Lord. May He grant us wisdom, patience, discernment, and grace to lead the next generation into a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

May God help every parent in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Grace and peace.
Keep building godly homes, one Scripture at a time.
Remain ever blessed.

Jesus is Lord!

The Father’s Timing: Time and Chance in Godly Parenting

Every season of parenting has a purpose. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1 and Proverbs 22:6, this devotional explores God’s timing, a parent’s responsibility, and the hope of seeing children grow into faithful followers of Christ. Learn why today is the right time to invest in your child’s spiritual future.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

One of the greatest truths in Scripture is that God is a God of times and seasons. Nothing He does is accidental. Every purpose has an appointed time, and every assignment has a season.

I strongly believe that parenting is one of those divine assignments that must be fulfilled within God’s appointed timing. Childhood is not merely a stage of life. It is Heaven’s opportunity for parents and guardians to shape hearts, build character, and establish a foundation that will influence generations.

The Father’s Timing

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is “a time for every purpose under heaven.” This principle applies beautifully to parenting. Children grow through seasons, and each season requires a different kind of investment from parents.

Many Bible teachers describe these seasons as follows:

The Servant Season: The early years when parents lovingly meet a child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
The Authority Season: The years of establishing boundaries, teaching obedience, correcting in love, and building godly character.
The Mentor Season: As children mature, parents gradually become counselors, guiding them through life’s decisions with wisdom and grace.
The Friendship Season: As children become responsible adults, the relationship matures into one of mutual love, respect, encouragement, and fellowship.

Each season has an assignment. Wisdom is knowing what God requires in each season and faithfully fulfilling it before the season passes.

Consider the seasons of planting and harvesting. A farmer who neglects the season of sowing should not expect an abundant harvest. Likewise, parents who fail to sow God’s Word into the hearts of their children during their formative years may experience deep regret later in life.

“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”
Proverbs 20:4 (KJV)

Excuses today often become regrets tomorrow. Parenting is a divine assignment that requires diligence, consistency, and timely action.

An African proverb says, “You can only bend the okro plant while it is still tender, not when it has become dry.” Foundations are easier to shape than finished structures. Childhood is God’s appointed season for building godly character.

The Father’s Responsibility

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

The words “train up” describe more than giving instructions occasionally. They speak of intentional parenting.

Dedicating our children to God, recognizing that they ultimately belong to Him.
Teaching them God’s Word consistently until it becomes the foundation of their thinking.
Inspiring within them a genuine love for God rather than mere religious routine.
Understanding that every child is unique and guiding each one according to his or her personality, gifts, strengths, and developmental stage.

Sadly, many parents and guardians complain, murmur, or continue making excuses instead of embracing this sacred responsibility. Yet time never waits for anyone. Every passing day is either invested wisely or lost forever.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15–16 (KJV)

There comes a point in life when you no longer need more motivation. You need discipline.

Do not wait until someone encourages you before obeying God.

The Bible tells us that David encouraged himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6). Although those around him were discouraged, David found strength in God and continued forward.

Parents must learn this lesson. Some days will be difficult. There will be moments of exhaustion, disappointment, and uncertainty. Yet God’s assignment remains unchanged. Encourage yourself in the Lord and continue sowing faithfully into the lives of your children.

Before the world hears your testimony, your children live with it. They are the closest witnesses of your walk with God. As you faithfully disciple them, they become living evidence of God’s transforming grace and powerful ambassadors for Christ.

The Father’s Hope

“…and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

This is not permission to become careless but encouragement to remain faithful.

Seeds planted in God’s timing produce fruit in God’s timing.

Every family devotion…
Every prayer…
Every Bible story…
Every loving correction…
Every godly example…
Every sacrifice…

None of it is wasted.

God sees every seed, and in His appointed season He brings forth a harvest.

Therefore, my charge to every parent and guardian today is this:

Take personal responsibility. Maximize your time by living a disciplined life. Do not waste the season God has entrusted to you. Raise your children intentionally, prayerfully, and faithfully.

Always remember that you are not alone in this assignment.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).”
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20 (KJV)

Keep seeking His counsel through His Word and in prayer. The God who entrusted these precious children to your care will supply the wisdom, grace, strength, and perseverance needed to raise them for His glory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting children into our care. Help us to discern the seasons You have appointed and to make the most of every opportunity to raise our children in Your ways. Give us disciplined hearts, unwavering faith, and wisdom from above. May every seed of Your Word sown into the lives of our children produce a harvest of righteousness that will glorify You for generations to come. Strengthen every parent and guardian, and let our homes become places where Christ is honoured and Your truth is faithfully passed from one generation to another. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remain ever blessed. Jesus is Lord.

Benefits of Godly Parenting

Discover two biblical benefits of godly parenting and learn why every prayer, every Scripture taught, and every loving correction is an investment that brings tomorrow’s rest and a lasting harvest for generations to come.

Every seed planted today determines tomorrow’s harvest. Parenting is no different. God’s Word reminds us that raising children is not merely a responsibility but an investment with eternal rewards. Every prayer, every Scripture shared, every act of love and correction according to God’s Word is a seed that will produce fruit in due season.

1. Godly Parenting Guarantees Your Rest Tomorrow

When you faithfully train your children in God’s ways, you are laying a foundation that brings peace in the years ahead.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

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

Just a few days ago, I witnessed a beautiful example of this truth while visiting my sister’s home. Her eldest son was chatting with a friend from school who admitted that he had not copied his notes and hoped someone would help him during the examination by allowing him to cheat. My sister overheard the conversation.

What impressed me was not merely that she corrected her son, but how she did it. She lovingly explained the dangers of surrounding himself with friends who depend on examination malpractice instead of diligence and integrity. She reminded him that wrong choices today can lead to serious consequences tomorrow, even affecting his future and influencing his younger brother to follow the same path. Her correction was firm, loving, and rooted in godly wisdom.

That moment reminded me that parents who sacrifice the time to lovingly correct their children today are securing their future tomorrow. Godly correction may be uncomfortable for a moment, but it produces a harvest of righteousness that brings peace and joy in years to come.

A child grounded in God’s Word becomes a source of joy rather than sorrow. Although every child must personally choose to follow God, faithful, biblical parenting provides a strong foundation that blesses both parents and generations to come.

2. Investing in God’s Word Secures Tomorrow’s Harvest

Every moment spent teaching Scripture, praying with your children, and living as an example of Christ is a seed sown into fertile soil.

Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Every investment in God’s Word becomes tomorrow’s harvest. Whether the fruit appears in your lifetime or in the next generation, God never wastes a seed planted in faith. His Word never returns empty, and every investment made in raising children according to His truth will bear fruit in His perfect time.

Prayer

Lord, help me faithfully sow Your Word into the hearts of my children. Give me grace to persevere, trusting You for a harvest that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Key Takeaway: Godly parenting is never a wasted investment. Train your children according to God’s Word today, trust Him with the process, and look forward to the harvest He has promised.

I pray that God empowers every parent, every guardian, every teacher, and everyone entrusted with the responsibility of raising children to faithfully train them in the way of the Lord. May He grant us wisdom, patience, grace, and courage to lovingly correct, faithfully teach, and consistently model His Word before them.

May God help every parent in the mighty name of Jesus.

Grace and peace.

Keep building godly homes, one Scripture at a time.

Remain ever blessed. Jesus is Lord!

— Michael’s Ministry

Raising Nigeria’s Future: 3 Godly Parenting Principles for Independence Day

As Nigeria Celebrates Freedom, What Legacy Are You Building?

Today, as the air fills with echoes of “Arise, O Compatriots,” I’m reminded that our greatest national resource isn’t oil or agriculture, it’s our children.

The same determination that fueled our founding fathers must now fuel our parenting. We’re raising Nigeria’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and world-changers, and it starts in our homes.

3 Foundational Principles for Raising Godly Nigerian Children

Root Them in Identity (God’s Word + Nigerian Heritage)

Our children need to know they’re:

· Fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14)
· Part of Nigeria’s redemptive story
· Called to be light in our nation

Practical Tip: Share stories of Nigerian faith heroes alongside Bible stories.

Teach Them Spiritual Independence

True freedom isn’t just political—it’s spiritual.
“So if the Son sets you free,you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Practical Tip: Encourage personal prayer habits. Let them see you praying for Nigeria.

Model Nation-Building at Home

Our homes are microcosms of Nigeria. Here we teach:

· Integrity in small things
· Service to others
· Love that crosses tribal lines

Practical Tip: Involve children in serving your community together.

A Prayer for Our Children and Nation

“Lord, as Nigeria turns another page, help us raise children who will be:

· Light in darkness
· Peace in conflict
· Hope in despair
Let their lives declare Your glory across our nation. Amen.”

What’s one value you’re intentionally teaching your children this Independence Day? Share in the comments below!

Follow me on X/Twitter and Medium for daily encouragement in your godly parenting journey!

The Steward Parent: Partnering with God to Uncover Your Child’s Calling

The weight of parenting can feel immense. We worry about grades, friendships, and safety. But Scripture invites us into a far grander vision: we are not owners, but stewards of the children God has entrusted to us.

The psalmist declares a truth that frames every life:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)

Your child was known and purposefully designed by God before their first breath. Our job is not to assign them a purpose, but to help uncover the one God has already written on their heart. We see this in the calling of Jeremiah:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

So, how do we, as steward parents, collaborate with God?

Nurture Their Unique Design: Pay attention. What makes their eyes light up? Are they naturally compassionate, drawn to music, or incessantly curious? These are clues.

“Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, AMP).

This isn’t just about discipline; it’s about discerning their “bent” or God-given inclination.

Equip Them with Godly Wisdom: Education is vital, but it’s a tool for the mission, not the mission itself. Like Moses, who was

“learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22, NKJV),

knowledge becomes powerful when directed by God. Pray that they are

“rooted and built up in [Christ], strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7, NIV).

Point Them to the Ultimate Purpose: Our primary goal is not their temporal happiness, but their eternal impact for the Kingdom. Teach them that their greatest calling is to

“love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39, NIV).

Every other purpose flows from this.

Remember, they are His.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3, NIV).

We have the sacred honor of stewarding this heritage, not for our own glory, but for His.

Reflection & Conversation 💬

This journey of stewardship is a constant balancing act. It’s about weaving together firm boundaries with boundless grace, much like our Heavenly Father does with us.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NIV).

I’d also love to hear from you! Drop a comment below:

What’s one area of parenting where you’ve struggled with balancing discipline and love?

Is it setting screen time limits? Handling sibling conflicts? Enforcing homework? Share your experience—your story might be the encouragement another parent needs today.

Remain Ever Blessed.