This verse says, “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” These words mean many things. It is not a guarantee that your child would someday return to serving God just because you have taken them to them church, read the Bible to them or set a good example before them.
This is a complement ahead of time to the parents that do right by their children spiritually. Whether it be a child or an adult, there is no guarantee that we can influence another person that they would do justice before God. It is a guarantee that you have given them the best opportunity possible that at some time in life even if they go astray, they will return to the Lord.
When it says, “he will not depart from it.” What you have drilled into them is not something they will ever be able to ignore. You will have done all you could for them.
In this age of vanity and sin they will be best prepared to face temptation.
As youngsters they need to be disciplined in a wise manner, not out of frustration or anger.
Your training is similar to that of soldiers for them to know how to handle the sword of the Lord, keep the rank as soldiers of the cross, and understand what a command is most often and not a suggestion in the Bible.
The Scripture does not say to train them to where they would go but the way they should go. Their teaching is from your love for where you would have them go.
While training them you have offered what the child is capable to receive. Give them spiritual medication and nourishment like that of a nurse.
When they grow old, hopefully they will not depart from it. The question is to depart from want? It is the impressions that you gave them. It is the spiritual seasoning to deal with the affairs of this world.
And if they should depart, they have a known pathway where to return. They will not be scrambling, racking their brains, bewildering their heart. They will know where they came from and, therefore, where to return.
At least you as a parent can take comfort that you have done all you possibly could for your child. You have done your duty. You have used whatever means possible in their behalf. The ultimate is up to them and only them to serve the Lord.
Christian Writer 