In Proverbs, chapter four, verses one through four, declares,
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law, for I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” Solomon learned about God’s ways from his father and passed the instructions on to his sons.
God wants true godliness and commitment to His ways to be learned primarily through the teaching of parents and the examples provided in the home, not by delegating that responsibility exclusively to church education programs. Parents must give their children instruction and corrections under a Christian upbringing. Parents should be examples of Christian life and conduct, caring more for their children’s salvation than their jobs, professions, ministry in the church, or social standing. The responsibility of parents falls on them to give their children the upbringing that prepares them for their lives pleasing to God.
The family, not the church or church school, is primarily responsible for the Biblical and spiritual training of the children. Church and church schools can only assist and affirm parental training. The core of Christian nurture is this: The father’s heart must be turned to the child’s heart to bring the heart of the child to the heart of the Savior.
On the other hand, children are responsible for following the instructions given by their parents. The instruction is to make one wise at the end. Proverbs eight, verse thirty-three, says, “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” Those who resist instruction like a booklet to create something run the risk of not enjoying the gift of experiencing success.