Because a child's brain is not fully developed, his spiritual training must be commensurate spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. Science has proven that a child's brain is not fully developed until they are in their mid-twenties. The last area to fully mature is the Prefrontal Cortex, the area of the brain known as the executive center. This area is responsible for coordinating complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, behavioral control, attentional control, planning and understanding the consequences of decisions as well as inhibiting poor choices.

The ability to differentiate between conflicting thoughts, determine what is good and bad, understand future consequences of current activities, work toward desired goals, and apply behavioral controls (suppressing urges with the possibility of socially unacceptable outcomes) all rely on executive function.

Simply being able to plan and follow through on long term goals is dependent upon simultaneous use of these executive functions. The Prefrontal Cortex which controls these functions is simply not developed enough until after twenty years of age. I don't think it is any coincidence that this is the age where many of the kids we have claimed for Christ turn from God.
Until the Prefrontal Cortex is developed, their decision making is handled primarily by the Amygdala, the same place that processes the fight or flight response. It is the seat of their emotions. Children are quite simply governed by their emotions. That's why they are fickle and easily tossed about. One day they are cooperative and happy, and the next, they are defiant and inconsolably depressed because of something that to us, would seem insignificant.

The connections are still developing between their emotional and rational thinking. Being able to process and regulate their emotions in order to formulate a logical response is basically beyond their ability. That is why it is necessary for us to continually teach them principles for behavior and appropriate responses that they then practice throughout their childhood.

Could this be why God tells us to train up a child, and not just to encourage an early decision?

Spiritual training helps to give them the tools they need. Memorizing scriptures and learning spiritual principles even aides in the development of their brains by encouraging connections to the prefrontal cortex, while offering exciting fun and games is of little benefit.

The power of the word of God spiritually working in the heart, coupled with the preaching/teaching of the word stirs the soul as well as the intellect, challenging them to think and encouraging brain development. This is the heart of training. God's way is always best!

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