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“Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined.” — Alexander Pope, 1734. With all the education, all the psychoanalysis experts, and other so-called advancements in child raising, most of us parents still haven’t grasped what Alexander Pope was saying. If we want a straight growing tree, we make sure the tree is set upright at planting time. Then we check it in its early years to make sure nothing has caused it to lean or be damaged.
William Pope was saying the same thing about bringing up children. If you want your son or daughter to have good character and morals, they need to be taught those principles from day one. That is why babies need to be brought to Bible class and worship services. Help them learn about baby Jesus while they identify with Him. Let them learn how He loves them. Let them learn to sing songs of praise to Him. Let them learn at that tender age that the most important thing in this life is living for the Lord. By age six or seven they may be so involved in the world its hard for them to hear the gospel of Christ – the twig will have begun to lean.
On the other hand, it is never too late to start teaching about Jesus. But not many of us are willing to change our life after we are “set in our way.” Bring your babies to church. If they cry loud and long, we have a nursery room where they can be comforted.
John K. Wills
Owingsville church of Christ
Owingsville, KY