Train Up a Child – Little Lynniah
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
So many of us raise our children with the mindset of being better than our parents—learning from their mistakes and doing things differently. But I want to take a moment to acknowledge the truth of Proverbs 22:6.
My Foundation in Christ
My mother and family raised me up in the body of Christ. Both sides of my family were Christian—so no matter where I was, I was going to church!
If I stayed at my Auntie Cheryl’s house, we went to church with my cousins and siblings over there. Whether it was Baptist, non-denominational, Church of Christ, or COGIC—we were in church.
But more than just going to church, I was raised in a household that demonstrated faith daily.
I remember watching my grandparents hit their knees first thing in the morning. I can’t even recall if they went to the bathroom first or if they just went straight to prayer. That’s how ingrained it was in them.
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." – James 5:16 (KJV)
Their prayers weren't just routine—they were powerful and effective, setting the tone for the entire household.
Faith Is Not Just Taught—It’s Shown
Kids don’t always listen to what you say, but they never fail to imitate what you do.” – James Baldwin
I’ve come to know that it’s not just what you tell your children—it’s what you show them.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." – Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
The Women Who Raised Me Taught Me Faith Through Action:
My mother was always helping others—even though she didn’t have much, she was reliable and generous.
My grandmother would give you her last and tell you it was her last. She wasn’t worried because she believed God would send another blessing.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." – Luke 6:38 (KJV)
She demonstrated how faith worked long before I understood what faith was.
Tithes & Offering – My First Lessons in Giving
Acts 20:35 (KJV)
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.
My mama made sure I understood tithes and offerings early.
She gave me money for chores but made me spend it on things I needed—like feminine products at just 9 years old (yes, responsibility started early!).
But she also made sure I learned the practice of giving.
I’ll never forget putting my own money in the offering plate at church.
Sometimes I was excited to give!
Other times, I was counting my dollars, wishing I could use them for my favorite chips instead.
I even remember asking, “Do I HAVE to? Can I save MY money and use YOUR money instead?”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand the lesson. But she was training me up, even when I didn’t realize it.
"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." – Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV)
Training Up My Own Children
Now that I have my own children, I realize the importance of passing these same principles down.
But I also recognize that times have changed.
Everything is digital now. I press a button and boom, money hits my child’s account.
Even church giving is digital. I don’t even use the collection plate anymore—it’s all through the app.
But I know it’s still important to physically teach my children the practice of tithing.
Giving cash in hand.
Letting them physically experience giving to God.
Training them up in the discipline of honoring God first.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Tithing as an Adult – A Hard but Necessary Lesson
As I grew into adulthood, it became clear to me that I had a responsibility.
But it wasn’t until the age of 26 that I began to tithe 10% and some.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." – Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
✅ Tithing is a principle of obedience.
✅ It opens the windows of heaven over your life.
I had to learn the hard way that tithing isn’t about what I’ll have left over—it’s about trusting that God is my Provider.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Now, I refuse to compromise on tithing. It belongs to God.
Final Thoughts: Training Up a Child in Faith & Finances
Training a child up in faith isn’t just about taking them to church—it’s about:
✅ Demonstrating a life of faith.
✅ Teaching them responsibility.
✅ Showing them the power of giving and trusting God.
And when we train them up, even if they stray for a while… they will not depart from it.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
