What To Do While We Wait

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. – 1 Timothy 4:6-16 ESV

Our lives are meant to make a difference, but not in the way the world would have us believe. In this age, significance is measured in assets, popularity, job title, income, the neighborhood we live in, the kind of car we drive, or even the number of friends and followers we have on social media. We live to impress, influence, and to make a difference in the world, but the terms by which we measure the success of our contribution can be shallow and exceedingly temporal. Paul encouraged Timothy to use a different standard. He wanted his young protegé to keep his eyes focused on what really mattered, so he gave him a few basic tips for living a life that makes a difference.

First, he tells him to teach. Paul wanted Timothy to take what he was learning and share it with those all around him. Knowledge that is never shared is wasted. Wisdom that isn’t passed on to others becomes self-centered and senseless. But Paul’s letter to Timothy wasn’t meant for him alone; his intention was for Timothy to teach the truths it contained to those under his care. He told him to “explain these things to the brothers and sisters” (1 Timothy 4:6 NLT). He challenged him to “teach these things and insist that everyone learn them” (1 Timothy 4:11 NLT). The truths found in God’s Word are meant to be shared, not hoarded. We are to pass on what we learn.

Second, Timothy was to train others, and Paul was quite specific about the kind of training he meant. Paul said, “train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7 NLT). The Greek word Paul uses is gymnazō, and it means “to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind” (Blue Letter Bible. (n.d.). Outline of Biblical Usage for [gymnazō] [G1128]. Retrieved August 25, 2026, from https://www.blueletterbible.org/). It is the word from which we get our English word, gymnasium.

Paul was expecting Timothy to put effort into his pursuit of the spiritual life. Godliness was to be his goal, not material success, financial reward, physical health, or personal fulfillment. Paul reminded Timothy that he would receive far greater benefits from pursuing a healthy and vibrant spiritual life than he ever would from getting physically fit. Godliness has both temporal and eternal ramifications for the believer's life; we benefit in the here and now as well as the hereafter.

Third, Paul tells Timothy to typify or exemplify the Christ-like life. He was to be an example of godliness to those around him in every area of his life, through his speech and conduct, in his demonstration of love and faith, and through living a life of purity. Purity includes sexual purity as well as integrity of heart.

The Christian life is holistic, with no room for compartmentalization. In other words, there are no hidden or secret areas where the light of God’s transformative power does not shine. Timothy’s godliness was to touch every area of his life, and it was to be a clear model of Christ-likeness to all those around him. Timothy was never to allow his young age to be a hindrance or an excuse. His chronological age was irrelevant because godliness is ageless. Becoming like Christ has nothing to do with the number of years we spend on this planet, but everything to do with the time we spend in the Word, with the Lord, and being submitted to the Holy Spirit. Godliness is to be lived out for others to see.

Paul gives Timothy one final charge: “Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:15-16 NLT).

Timothy was to teach others, train himself diligently, and typify the life of a believer. And he was to throw his entire energy into making this a reality in his life. The pursuit of a godly life cannot be done half-heartedly; it’s a full-time job that requires our constant attention. We have to regularly examine how we’re doing and constantly assess our spiritual well-being. There is no room for complacency or contentment. Paul modeled this lifestyle of constant commitment to excellence.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. – Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

There will always be distractions, and we will be tempted to become complacently satisfied with where we are and how far we’ve come. But Paul warned Timothy that the goal will not be realized on earth; our salvation will be consummated in heaven, not here. This life is not to be all there is, and this world is not our home; we’re just passing through on our way to somewhere better. Our salvation awaits our glorification, and that is to be our ultimate objective. That’s why Paul told Timothy to train himself for godliness; he didn’t demand that he achieve it. Eventually, our godliness will be complete. We will be done with all the training and will have completed the race. The apostle John reminds us, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2 NLT).

That day is coming. But in the meantime, we are to teach, train, and typify. So let’s get busy!

Father, we have work to do and yet, we find ourselves so easily distracted by the cares and concerns of this world. Rather than focusing on the prize that You have promised, we become fixated on the here and now and overly consumed with temporal things like popularity, possessions, pleasure, and power. We allow the enemy to deceive us with the promise of our best life now, but his sales pitch never delivers. He can’t provide us with true joy, contentment, peace, or significance. He has no concern for our well-being, but simply wants to keep us addicted to the things of this world. That is why John warned us, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 NLT). And Paul called us to teach, train, and typify godliness in this life because we believe in the promise of eternal life. I want to become less worldly and more godly with each passing day., but I know I can't do it on my own. So thank You for providing Your word and the Spirit to help me. May I become increasingly more focused on living out what I say I believe so that others can see the power of the gospel in me. Amen. 

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Aspirational Leadership

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:1-13 ESV

Timothy was going to need help; shepherding even a relatively small congregation of new believers would not be easy, especially in an environment like Ephesus. So Paul encouraged Timothy to find qualified men to assist him in overseeing the church. It would be impossible for one man to minister to all the needs within the body of Christ and, with the Judaizers promoting their legalistic adherence to the Mosaic Law, Timothy was going to need allies in the fight of faith.

That’s why Paul recommended that Timothy develop a recruitment strategy for possible “overseers.” The Greek word Paul uses is episkopē, and he seems to use it as a synonym for another Greek word, presbuteros, which typically gets translated as “elder.” Both words convey the idea of someone with authority and responsibility for the spiritual well-being of God's flock. Paul tells Timothy, “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position” (1 Timothy 3:1 NLT). A desire to shepherd God’s flock is a good thing. 

The Greek word for “aspire” is oregō, which means “to stretch oneself out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something” ("Outline of Biblical Usage for [oregō / G3713]." Blue Letter Bible, edited by Larry Pierce, [URL]. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026). But, like most Greek words, oregō has another and somewhat darker meaning as well: “to give oneself up to the love of money” ("Outline of Biblical Usage for [oregō / G3713]." Blue Letter Bible, edited by Larry Pierce, [URL]. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026). In fact, Paul uses this secondary meaning in Chapter 6 when talking about an inordinate and unhealthy attraction to money.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. – 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT

Paul declared that it was proper and appropriate for a man to aspire to be a leader in the church, but not for what he could get out of it. And the apostle Peter echoed that sentiment.

I urge the elders among you: Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. – 1 Peter 5:1-2 NLT

Leadership within the local body of Christ was never meant to be a means for attaining wealth or acquiring power. That’s why Peter and Paul compared the role of an overseer to that of a shepherd; it was meant to be a selfless, sacrificial role modeled after the life of Jesus. Paul’s emphasis was less on the role or job description than on the qualities of the kind of man who was qualified to fill it.

Paul does not provide details on the job description of an elder. Instead, he points out the required character qualities to be considered for the position. These qualities should be the aspiration of every God-fearing, Christ-following man in the church today.

Aspiration is a good thing. The desire to achieve is built into the human psyche. Every individual has goals and ambitions to which they dedicate their time, talents, and energies. For some, a successful career is their greatest ambition, and it ends up shaping their entire lives, as they spend every waking moment trying to achieve it. A few men have legitimate, realistic aspirations to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of sports. Then there are those who simply aspire to be good employees, fathers, husbands, friends, and community members. But Paul would encourage Christ-followers to have a different aspiration; to aspire to something of a higher nature. But it is a job with few perks, many responsibilities, high expectations, no income, a degree of anonymity, and some fairly lofty hiring guidelines.

In the Book of Acts, Luke records a meeting between Paul and the elders from the church in Ephesus, where Paul gave them a stern warning.

So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock–his church, purchased with his own blood – over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. – Acts 20:28 NLT

Elders had a high calling and a lofty responsibility to guard both themselves and God's people. Therefore, they had to be godly men of strong character and impeccable morals. They didn’t have to be perfect, but they did have to strive to be blameless and above reproach in every area of their lives.

It’s interesting that the characteristics Paul lists cover nearly every area of a man’s life. An elder had to be a man free from compartmentalization; he could not afford to keep any area of his life hidden from the flock. His home life was to be just as important as his church life. Every one of the things that Paul lists would have been easy to assess and ascertain by anyone in the church. These qualities are visible, external, and open for anyone to see and evaluate. They reflect an inner character that flows out into every area of life.

The kind of men who were to be considered for leadership were those whose hearts were continually being transformed by God. They were men who lived under the control of the Holy Spirit, operating by His power and exhibiting the fruit He makes available. 

But shouldn’t the qualities and characteristics Paul outlines be the aspiration of every man? Why wouldn’t every man of God aspire to live the kind of life Paul describes, whether he gets appointed as an elder or not? The church needs men who are above reproach, faithful to their wives, self-controlled, wise, of high repute, hospitable, moderate in all things, gentle in spirit, spiritual leaders in their homes, and respected in their communities. The local church should be filled with men who are viable candidates for eldership.

Paul told Timothy that if a man aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position. But the desire should not be focused on the position and any honor it may bring. In a world where achievement has become an obsession, it could be easy to turn the desire to become an elder into a self-serving, honor-seeking competition. But that is not what Paul is talking about. He wanted Timothy to find men who desired to display the character of an elder, not selfishly seek the role or responsibility. The position is honorable because the men who occupy it are honorable; their character is Christlike and holy. They are not perfect, but they are men who are willingly and regularly being perfected by God. The church needs more men like that today.

But Paul doesn’t stop with overseers; he also describes the role of a deacon (diakonos). This was a different, more service-oriented role within the local body of Christ. These men were intended to serve alongside the elders/overseers so that the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation were met. While Paul does not provide a detailed description of the day-to-day functions of a deacon, he does make it clear that the requirements for the position were virtually the same as those of an overseer.

The roles were different, but the character requirements were almost identical. While it might be tempting to view the role of deacon as less significant than that of an elder, Paul insists that Timothy not take it lightly.

Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. – 1 Timothy 3:10 NLT

The criterion for consideration was no less stringent or demanding; these men also had to be spiritually and morally qualified to serve. There was no dumbing down of the standards or lowering the bar of expectations. Their character was to be above reproach, and their marriages were to reflect the effectiveness of their servant leadership. If they couldn’t manage their own homes well, how could they be expected to minister to the body of Christ?

Paul wanted Timothy to surround himself with godly men who would help him lead and love God's people. Paul knew there would be a time when Timothy had to leave Ephesus, go to the next city, and minister to yet another congregation. So, Timothy needed to prepare for that moment by finding the right men to shepherd the flock of God in his absence. The church needed leaders, and the body of Christ needed overseers and deacons to serve as “examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3 NLT). The future of the church depended on godly men whom God would raise up and place as undershepherds of His flock.

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul described the unique nature of God’s strategy for the church's health and well-being. God had devised an assortment of roles within the local body of Christ designed to promote spiritual maturity and effective ministry.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. – Ephesians 4:11-14 NLT

God ordained that gifted individuals would help lead, feed, protect, and equip His people for the work of the ministry. He sent the Holy Spirit to provide them with spiritual gifts, supernatural power, and divine guidance. The church thrives because of the godly leadership that God ordained. He calls, equips, and commissions them for service, and their contribution to the spiritual well-being of the church is immeasurable. 

Father, like everything else You do, Your plan for the church was flawless in every way. The whole concept of the global and local church was Your idea. The formation of a Spirit-filled, heart-transformed group of individuals from all walks of life and every tribe, nation, and tongue was  . Your plan from the very beginning. Paul got to see the early stages of this phenomena and played a vital part in bringing it about. He saw small, fledgling congregations spring up all over Asia Minor, Galatia, and Macedonia. He watched the gospel transform the lives of the rich and poor, males and females, and slaves and freemen. More importantly, he witnessed the rise of countless Spirit-filled leaders who stepped into the gap to help serve the rapidly expanding flock of God. And You continue to raise up leaders today. The church thrives because of godly leadership. The body of Christ remains healthy due to the Spirit-inspired commitment of those You call. Thank You for providing Your people with everything they need for life and godliness and for raising up leaders to guide, lead, and feed Your flock. Amen. 

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Teach, Train, and Typify

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. – 1 Timothy 4:6-16 ESV

Our lives are meant to make a difference. But not in the way that the world would have us believe. In this age, the sign of significance is measured in assets, popularity, job title, income, the neighborhood we live in, the kind of car we drive, or even the number of friends and followers we have on Facebook or Twitter. We live to impress. We exist to consume. We long to make a difference in the world, but the terms by which we measure the success of our contribution can be shallow and exceedingly temporal. Paul would have Timothy use a different standard. He wanted this young man to keep his eyes focused on what really mattered, so he gave him a few basic tips for living a life that truly makes a difference.

First, he tells him to teach. Paul wanted Timothy to take what he was learning and share it with those all around him. Knowledge that is never shared is wasted. Wisdom that is never passed on to others ends up being self-centered and senseless. But Paul's letter to Timothy wasn't meant for him alone. Paul's intention was that Timothy teach the truths contained within it to those under his care. He told him to “explain these things to the brothers and sisters” (1 Timothy 4:6 NLT). He challenged him to “teach these things and insist that everyone learn them” (1 Timothy 4:11 NLT). The truths of God's Word are meant to be shared, not to be horded. We are to pass on what we learn.

Secondly, Timothy was to train. And Paul was quite specific when it came to the kind of training he was talking about. Paul said, “train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7 NLT). The Greek word Paul uses is gymnazō and it means “to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind.” It is the word from which we get our English word, gymnasium.

Paul was expecting Timothy to put effort into his pursuit of the spiritual life. Godliness was to be his goal in life, not material success, financial reward, physical health, or personal fulfillment. Paul reminded Timothy that he would receive far greater benefits from the pursuit of a healthy and vibrant spiritual life than he ever would from getting physically fit. Godliness has both temporal and eternal ramifications for the life of the believer. We benefit in the here and now as well as the hereafter.

Third, Paul tells Timothy to typify what a believer looks like. He was to be an example of godliness to those around him – in every area of his life – through his speech and conduct, in his demonstration of love and faith, and through living a life of purity. Purity includes sexual purity as well as integrity of heart.

The Christian life is to be a holistic life – with no compartmentalization. In other words, there are no hidden or secret areas where the light of God's transformative power does not shine. Timothy’s godliness was to touch every area of his life and it was to be a clear model of Christ-likeness to all those around him. And Timothy’s young age was never to be a hindrance or used as an excuse. Timothy’s chronological age was to have nothing to do with it because godliness is ageless. It has nothing to do with the number of years we spend on this planet. But it has everything to do with the amount of time we spend in the Word, with the Lord, and submitted to the Holy Spirit. Godliness is to be lived out for others to see.

Paul gives Timothy one final charge: “Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:15-16 NLT).

Timothy was to teach others, train himself diligently, and typify the life of a believer. And he was to throw his entire energy into making this a reality in his life. The pursuit of a godly life cannot be done half-heartedly. It's a full-time job that requires our constant attention. We have to regularly examine how we're doing and constantly assess our spiritual well-being. There is no room for complacency or contentment. And Paul modeled this lifestyle of constant commitment to excellence.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. – Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

There will be always distractions along the way. We will be tempted to become satisfied with where we are and how far we've come. But Paul warned Timothy that the goal will not be realized on this earth. Our salvation will be consummated in heaven, not here. This life is not to be all there is. This world is not our home – we're just passing through on our way to somewhere better. Our salvation awaits our glorification. That is to be our ultimate goal and objective. That’s why Paul told Timothy to train himself for godliness. Eventually, our godliness will be complete. We will be done with all the training. We will be finished with the race and done with all the exercises. The apostle John reminds us, “Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2 NLT).

That day is coming. But in the meantime, we are to teach, train, and typify. So let's get busy!

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Desire of Every Parent.

Proverbs 22

“Direct your child onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” – Proverbs 22:6 NLT

This verse has been taught at every parenting seminar I have ever been to. It has been held up as a promise from the very Word of God that offers us a virtual guarantee of success in child-rearing if we just do our part well. But as a parent of six and as the youngest son of my own parents, I have found that this verse, while promising, is not exactly a promise. In fact, it is NOT a promise at all. Like all the other proverbs written or collected by Solomon, it is a universal truth. It is how God intended the world to work. But because of the fall and the presence of sin, things do not always turn out the way God intended or as we might want them to – regardless of how well we do at raising our children. But this does not change the reality that the best way is always God's way. As Christ-followers, we are to raise our children according to God's will and direct them on to the one path that leads to true life. In most translations, the first part of this verse uses the words, "train up a child." The Hebrew idea behind this is that of dedication. It is used in the context of dedicating a house to God. So, in essence, we are to dedicate our children to God and give them over to Him for His use – teaching them to walk His path and live according to His will. This includes not only teaching them well, but modeling Christ-like behavior and obedience in front of them. It isn't enough to simply teach them Bible stories and moralistic platitudes about honesty, sharing, truthfulness, and humility. As the old saying goes, when it comes to teaching more is caught than taught. Our kids will pick up the "godly life" by watching us live it more than they will by hearing us talk about it. When this verse says, "Direct your children onto the right path," it is encouraging us as parents to live our lives in such a way that our children instinctively know which way to go from having watched us and followed us. According to the Book of Proverbs, there are only two paths to life. There are only two ways for our children to go: The wise way or the foolish way. The way of righteousness or the way of wickedness. The way of the godly or the way of the godless. Because Proverbs uses the metaphor of the path so often, it fits in well here. It helps us understand that this verse is about a way of life, not just lessons for life. It is about a lifestyle choice. And it is a lifelong job. As parents, we are always training our children – even long after they are out of our house. We are still modeling godly behavior and directing them onto the right path long after they're grown and gone. The verse says, "and when they are older, they will not leave it." This conveys the idea that our job is never over and that the impact of our efforts are lifelong, not temporal. We may see our children wander off the path for a time, but we may also live to see them discover their way back our of the high weeds and into the light of God's will. Our job is to keep training, modeling, and directing. We have to leave the results up to God. At the end of the day, if we have truly dedicated them to God, we must realize that it is He who will determine the outcome of their lives. Only He can reach their hearts and transform their character from the inside out. And while this Proverbs does not guarantee results, it does give us the assurance that if we are faithful to do our job, we can trust God to do His part. We can leave our children in His capable, loving, merciful hands.

Father, give me the stamina and determination to direct my children on to the right path and to do it faithfully, all throughout the years of their lives. Don't let me take shortcuts or fail to model the godly lifestyle in front of them. Forgive me for taking complete responsibility for the way my children turn out and forgetting that only You can save my kids, and redeem, restore, and protect them. Amen.