There are a lot of difficult jobs out there. Being a firefighter, a policeman, the CEO of a large corporation, a preacher, or even working behind the counter at a fast food place. But not one of those jobs is as difficult or as important as how we raise our children to be all they can be.

The Bible provides timeless insight. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The way he should go means according to his “bent.” This means we have to be students of our children–learning to recognize their God-given abilities and interests. We’re also to help our children develop their strengths, as well as curb and check their weaknesses.

Once we become students of our children and teach them right from wrong with a lot of prayer, the promise of God can be realized. The challenge is a great one, but the rewards of seeing our children become mature, productive adults makes all the hard work worthwhile.