On this past Friday, my husband and I had the opportunity to attend the Young Men’s Club Pinning Ceremony at Bells Elementary. I cannot begin to tell you the feeling I had inside, seeing this wonderful opportunity that has been afforded to these 13 young boys! In order to prepare for this day, many sponsors in the community gifted the needs of the program. Here is where this African proverb comes into play, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Yes, I am a firm believer in that proverb. It means that an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children in order for them to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. “This village,” Bells Elementary School faculty and staff, the club’s advisors, and the community, came together to give these children an opportunity to foster their growth and ultimately lead to a positive effect on their future.
The Word gives us instructions throughout about our responsibilities as adults, parents, and the church when it comes to raising children. One of the most profound Scriptures related to this is Proverbs 22:6, and sometimes, a part of it is misunderstood. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (ESV). It is up to us to raise children in the proper way, but it does not mean that they will not stray away from it. However, if they do, and they have been given the proper foundation, they will return to their upbringing. If a child is not given the proper foundation, to what does he or she have to return?
Proverbs 13:24 (ESV) declares, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” The primary purpose of this statement is to endorse loving discipline, correction based on Godly principles. A person who truly loves a child will provide discipline. Children are our future, so we must teach them well. A society without proper discipline and instruction of its children is headed for destruction. Many people think that this Scripture is solely referencing physical discipline, but it goes far beyond that aspect.
In the words of Principal Angel Parker, “You can’t punish what a child doesn’t know. He has to be taught.” Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
