Learning something new is not enticing to anyone who must learn it for any other reason than enjoyment. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6) This is only profitable for the child if it is applied, knowledge left on the shelf does no one any good.
The modern school system does not teach the Word of God as the standard for morality; therefore, the moral construct of the world is based upon the ideologies of what man says it should be, and that is the first indication of failure.
If one has no desire or aptitude for math, then that person will most generally not apply themselves to it, yet to complete their education they must show a modicum of talent in this area, they must be able to repeat what they have been taught. But, when either given the opportunity or when they reach a certain age, they will no longer pursue any further knowledge in that area, they will not have any inclination to learn anything new about math.
When the Scriptures speak of training up that child in the way he should go, it is speaking to parents that fear God, for they know that it is the only way, but it also infers another fact, that while that child grows, he will stray from the truth. “When he is old” is a very strong statement on the rebellious free will of mankind. Up until a certain time in that person’s life he will depart, he will seek his own way, for the way of life is not enticing enough, it is not pleasurable enough. The account of the prodigal son is an excellent portrayal of this truth, Matthew the tax collector was raised in such a home yet saw the draw of the world as more enticing, until the Lord said two simple words to him, “Follow me.” (Matt. 9:9)
“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44) The Lord entices us, He draws us to the Lord Jesus Christ, He puts in our mind a desire to seek the face of God, but it is disconcerting to see how few have set their face like a flint to continue on the path. The child may indeed not depart when he is old, but he may have little desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, the world and self are extremely well versed in the way of alternative enticements. The majority of today’s churches are proof of this, entertainment is what not only draws people in, but it is the way in which many churches attempt to fill the pews. The promises of a happy, fulfilling life, one of continual contentment are indeed enticing to all.
The prosperity churches are well aware of this fact, but nearly every church has found that Biblically based teaching and preaching on the Word of God is not enough to keep that child, no matter his age, 9 to 90, returning each Sunday for one specific reason, to glorify God. Many who follow Jesus Christ want something from Him.
“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” (John 6:26) And many left. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:54) More left. “And they all forsook him, and fled.” (Mark 14:50) Our Lord was always alone while He walked this earth, everyone left Him.
The only enticement, the only reason that person will not depart when he is old is because he recognizes and finally accepts the words of Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Obedience to the Word and will of God is of little value if it is not done for one specific reason, our love for Him who first loved us. If Jesus Christ is not enticing to you, you are only obeying because you believe you should.
