The New International Version of the Bible in Proverbs 22:6 tells us “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn from it.”

Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts them in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they do not have to watch every step he or she makes, but they still need to be supervised and monitored.

We must show trust in our children but also warn them of the snares of the Devil. We must train our children to choose the right way.

A couple of weeks ago, the prom was held.

Young men and young ladies dressed so well … renting tuxedos, shoes, buying dresses, getting hair cuts and the girls getting their best hairdo. I even saw a couple of limousines.

As each young men’s and young ladies’ names were called, that was a great experience for them, with the cameras flashing, videotaping and everyone dressed up in their best attire, their expressions were so happy and joyful.

I remember my wife and I being joyful and thankful to God that our oldest son, Abraham, was in that number. These are the good memories we can always cherish in our heart.

As he and other seniors are preparing to graduate from high school, they need to be reminded that they could not have made it without Jesus.

It reminds me of the song by Marvin Sapp, “I never could have made it without you.”

The time passes so fast. It seems just like yesterday they were graduating from pre-kindergarten. As they go out into the world, they need to take the Lord with them. I constantly talk with my sons about staying focused and making the right choices. Just as they made it in high school with the Lord protecting and guiding them, the Lord will be with them also when they go off to college or the military.

It will be a challenging experience for all parents to watch their child leave home for the first time going off to college, military or whatever path they choose to pursue.

I am sure that all of Decatur County is proud of our graduates. They have weathered the storm for 12 long years. I must say that when a parent is able to get a child through school and to graduate from high school, they have done something remarkable. Although they made it, it did not come without some struggles, some disappointments, obstacles and some trying times. But in every situation, if you are able to look back and see the hand of the Lord in the life of that child, it will bring joy and peace to your heart.

With so many things to distract our children, we must always use our weapon of spiritual warfare, and that is prayer.

There is power in prayer. Receiving any type of reward does not come without a price to pay. It is not easy. I have had some sleepless nights and some ups and downs myself. Sometimes you wonder if you are going to make it. But I am a living witness that each problem brings about a reason to work harder and stay in the race.

There is a purpose for our trials. When you are doing something worthwhile, Satan will try and distract you with all types of devices and evil means. But remember, that is a sure sign that you are on the right track.

We are to walk by faith and not by sight. No matter how hard the trials comes, the Lord said he will never leave us or forsake us.

The Bible tells us that the race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure to the end.

Prayer is the key to success, followed by living by God’s holy word. Each morning before going off to school, I have always prayed with my children because as the Bible says, Satan is waiting as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Unless we teach and train our young people, you will continue to see our courtrooms overcrowded, crime will continue to be on the rise.

Young girls will continue to get pregnant, young men will continue to show their underwear by wearing their pants down. If parents do not get some type of guidance or structure for their children, they will continue to have issues and problems.

We as parents have a job to do and if we do it, especially fathers, the jails and courtrooms will decrease.

In II Timothy, Chapter 3, the Bible teaches us that in the last days, perilous times will come.

“There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving slanderous, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.”

We as Christians are to have nothing to do with them.

Paul’s reference to the last days reveals a sense urgency.

The last days will continue until Jesus comes. So, we should make the most of the time that God has given us.

If our seniors graduate with Jesus, they will go out into the world following the examples of Jesus. They will remember all of our teachings at home, in Sunday School, worship services, Bible study, teachings from their parents and teachers. This will not allow for drugs, alcohol, sex, peer pressure to block their progress for future success.

The Bible says to resist the Devil and he will flee from you. All that means is to stand firm on what is right.

Seniors, please remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthen me.”

Also remember Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Young people, when you walk across that platform to receive your diploma, remember to say thank you Jesus, because you never could have made it without Him. Praise God!

Congratulations seniors, parents and thank God for all the teachers, faculty and staff of the Decatur County Education Department, school resource officers and concerned citizens.

To God be the Glory!