Discipling Children - 2 Timothy 3:14-15

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Timothy’s faith was grounded not only on the teaching and example of Paul, but in his upbringing as well. As a child his mother and grandmother (2 Tim 1:5) had acquainted him with the sacred writings, the Scriptures. It is never too early to acquaint a child with the Word of God. It is common today to hear, “I’ll let the children decide for themselves what they want to believe.” Ultimately every person makes that decision for himself/herself. There are three problems with that. First, how can someone choose something they are not familiar with? The child will decide, but they need to have an awareness of what it is they are deciding about. Second, as M. Scott Peck observed, “We are all born narcissists.” A child will choose that which is popular, that which is fun, or that which is easiest. Children don’t choose on the basis of truth, but on the basis of that which is shiniest. Third, as Christians we have the mandate to make disciples. For parents and grandparents, discipleship starts in the home. We have a God-given calling to disciple our children in the Faith. Don’t neglect your calling.