"Training Children in the way they should go..." someone very close to me used to say. In fact, every time I think/read Proverbs 22:6, I hear my grandma's voice. For those wondering, the meaning behind this verse suggests that parents and caregivers should teach children good moral and ethical values to help them become responsible adults who make positive choices. Furthermore, the verse implies that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children. Instead, parents should consider their child's personality, strengths, weaknesses, and interests to provide guidance and support tailored to the individual needs of each child. In summary, the verse encourages parents and caregivers to take an active role in shaping their children's character and instilling virtues that will serve them throughout their lives.
That being said... Let me also add this...
We don't "Train" children in the Church to be flawless adults. We don't "Train" our children in Church because it magically prevents them from sinning or makes them more holy than thou. We "Train" children "in the way they should go" so that they know exactly who to go to...
When there is trouble, they find themselves in sinking sand, or to whom they should praise or give thanks when things are going great! We "Train" them "in the way" so they know that regardless of their significant mistake or how much they have journeyed on the road to success, they are confident that their Lord and Savior will never abandon them.
We are supposed to "train"... AND we are supposed to "Work-out with them." Because the whole thing is "Do as I say, Not as I do." is the worst enemy of training in the way.
The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" is often used as a directive from an authority figure to someone under their guidance. It implies that the authority figure recognizes their own behavior as not being ideal, but they still expect others to follow their commands. However, this approach to training or parenting can be problematic for a few reasons:
Inconsistency: When authority figures say one thing but do another, it creates confusion and a lack of trust. It sends mixed messages and makes it difficult for those under their guidance to understand what is expected of them.
Lack of accountability: If an authority figure does not hold themselves to the same standard as others, it can create a sense of unfairness and resentment. It also sends the message that they are exempt from the consequences of their actions.
Missed opportunity for positive modeling: If authority figures consistently model the behaviors and values they expect from others, it can create a positive influence on those under their guidance. It allows for the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate how to live according to those values.
Overall, the phrase "do as I say, not as I do" is not a practical approach to training or parenting. It creates inconsistency and a lack of trust and misses an opportunity for positive modeling. Instead, it's essential for authority figures to consistently model the behaviors and values they expect from others while also holding themselves accountable when they fall short. So yes, training your child in the way they go means that we should stay fit or in shape as well. So let us work out.
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