The thing that causes someone to contribute to society, be productive, and walk in their purpose is a solid foundation. A solid foundation begins and ends with God. If a person is built on something else, they’ll crumble whenever pressure arises. But, if they’re solidified in God, they’ll last forever.

We build contributing people by parenting according to the Word of God. As parents, it’s important to train the youth in the ways of God according to the Word of God. Even if they stray, we have a promise of their return. We can’t pick and choose parenting methods in the Word of God that make us feel the most comfortable. In order to have the promise of their return if they should stray, we must comply with the Word of God completely. That means, we may have to tell them no, physical discipline may be necessary, and restraint on our part may be needed.

The Holy Spirit will guide us in all things, including parenting, and the Holy Spirit will not deviate from the Word of God. However, the Holy Spirit instructs us to parent our children based on what is best for our children and us.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.