Question: Sir, We did all we could to train our children, as Proverbs 22:6 says, and yet now that they have grown up, they have stopped being active in religion. Where did we go wrong?

Answer: In Proverbs 22:6, the sage observed, "Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." Here is hope (though no guarantee) for parents who would train their children, and warning to those who would neglect to do so. Children have minds and wills of their own, may rebel against their training, and are ultimately responsible for their own choices (please read Ezekiel 18:1-32). In Christ, forgiveness for all failures is available to the penitent, but it is better for all concerned when parents do not neglect to train their children. Inadequate ideas about training children abound, and right things are often done in detrimental ways. Adequate training at least involves a Christian example, instruction, love, discipline, and daily prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4-12; Ephesians 6:1-4; Colossians 3:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-16, etc.), as well as regular public worship and involvement in church life.