God's Gifts

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

My earliest recollection of this verse goes back to Sunday School days and my perception of it was that if a child were brought up in the church and if the teachings of Christ were a part of his or her life, when the child was older, the lifestyle would be maintained. When I saw that, in actual circumstances, this did not always occur, I found this verse very difficult to understand. Much later in life I came to know the beautiful meaning not only for a child, but for adults as well. God has given all of us certain gifts, certain natural talents and when we concentrate on going in the direction where he can use these talents for His glory and for the benefit of others, usually, great things happen. Other people receive the benefit of a natural ability and the giver experiences joy in giving because of operating out of "God's groove".

Getting back to the scripture verse, how blessed is a child whose parent recognizes God-given talent and assists that child to develop "in the way he (she) should go" so that in later life they experience the fulfilment of enjoying what they do and knowing that God can bless their efforts in a special way. The Living Bible puts it this way: "Teach a child to choose the right path and when he is older he will remain upon it."

Prayer: Heavenly Father You have blessed us with things we can do for You in special ways because each of us is Your special creation. With joy and thanksgiving, help us to experience the power of Your Holy Spirit in all that we do, to be open to Your leading in a world that desperately needs the touch of Your love through Your people. Amen.

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