The New York City Youth Board once released a report that attracted a good deal of attention. The board had sent some highly experienced social workers and psychologists into the homes of 500 six-year-old boys. After studying the home environment, the researchers made predictions about the future of each of the boys.
For the children from homes with a notable lack of discipline, religious training, or regard for the general welfare of the child, delinquency was forecast. For those in homes characterized by discipline, religious training, and supervision, the researchers predicted “good citizenship.”
Ten years later the homes were rechecked. What do you think were the results? Eighty-five percent of the children from “bad homes” were in serious trouble with the law by the time they were 16. Many were classed as repeaters because of many offenses. From the homes where discipline and religious training were given, 95% of the boys were, indeed, “good citizens.” It is still true that Christian homes and churches furnish constructive leadership in every walk of life.
Parents, you owe your children discipline and religious training. These things that cost only in terms of time and effort are much more important to your child’s well-being than a new car or better clothes.
In a very old book that contains the wisdom of the ages can be found these significant lines: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).