The Tortoise and the Hare

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Spaniels instinctively flush game out from bushes and retrieve waterfowl shot down by the hunter. Dachshunds are scent dogs that trail and hunt tunneling animals like rabbits. Our young dog, a mix of both breeds, proved his instincts needed honing.

Scout’s first encounter with a box turtle was entertaining. He had never seen one and had no clue what to do with it. Sensing no danger from the curious furry creature, the turtle slowly made its way across the backyard from one pond to the next. Scout was close by, sniffing it and the path it journeyed. He has enjoyed “visiting” with other turtles making the same trek. His visits were pleasurable until he found a turtle in the workshop. As Scout began his customary nose-to-nose greeting, his “Daddy” warned him several times to leave this one alone. Disregarding the warnings, the turtle not only snapped at Scout but latched onto his nose. This one was not a harmless box turtle but a snapping turtle. Once he shook it off, Scout gave him the space he demanded.

Training and experience—two basics through which we learn. We are instructed in Scripture to train not only our children but “a child” how to live godly. Using God’s Word, we teach them what is safe and God-honoring rather than learn through the pain of mistakes and sin. Such training takes commitment. For the good of the child, the trainer must persevere despite their cries of rejection. A loving, disciplinary hand is less painful than shaking off sin’s snapping grip. Persevere in your training so the little ones entrusted to your care will one day recognize and avoid the enemy's snares and life's needless pain.