Training is not about us as much as it is about the individual being trained. Whether a parent, a leader in a corporation, or a pastor of a church, we need to lead with this principle as well. It is not about us. It is about serving those we are responsible for in our leadership capacity. When we “train up”, everyone succeeds.
I often hear the scripture Proverbs 22:6 used to justify punishment or correction.
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 AMP
As a parent we have the responsibility is to correct a child’s misbehavior and establish proper boundaries for the sake of the child. This is foundational for the future of our children. Yet, this scripture is not as much about punishment or correction as it is about personal development.
We often try to mold our children into preconceived notions of what we need from them. However, each person is created with a unique set of attributes. God has entrusted us with the responsibility as a parent to train our children in the way intended for them to grow. Children come with a their personality, gifts, and abilities. Parents must seek to understand who they have been entrusted with in order to mold the child into his designed purpose.
We need to understand the giftings and personality of every life we have been entrusted with in order to provide the proper training and nurturing needed for growth. If everyone is living their riches and highest best then we have created the best environment for everyone’s success and infused the bottomline with creativity and expansion.
Yes, there will be those who refuse to be their best selves. Through our willingness to serve them as leaders when they are old or come to understand, they will have the training or blueprint for future success. It may not be beneficial to us in short term but impactful to a life for eternity.