In 1997, Donald Trump was promoting his book, "The Art of the Comeback." He was interviewed on a major network talk show, and he spoke about how important "getting even" is in the business world. When the interviewer asked Mr. Trump if he was uncomfortable with espousing the principle of revenge, especially in that he had young children, Mr. Trump flippantly responded that his children could decide when they were adults how they felt about this matter.

I wonder if Mr. Trump remembers the axiom about rearing children in the way they should walk? Give children worthy examples to follow, the saying goes, and they will be more likely to live worthy and fruitful lives. It's truly one of the responsibilities adults have been given in the created order.

Human beings lack the defenses of other animals -- no teeth that rip, no claws that tear, no wings that soar, no fins that swim, no instincts to survive alone. Although we are the most sophisticated of all animals, our offspring remain dependent upon nurturing parents and family and a supportive social order longer than any other animal. It is no wonder that our duties as parents and grandparents are not only thrilling but also very critical to the well-being of the children.

John Wesley had an important message to give us about children. According to his Journal, on Sunday, April 11, 1756, John Wesley was in Dublin, Ireland. He wrote: "I met with about an hundred children, who are catechized publicly twice a week. Thomas Walsh began this some months ago, and the fruit of it appears already. What a pity that all our preachers, in every place, have not the zeal and wisdom to follow his example!"

At another time, Wesley would write: "Next to your wife are your children: immortal spirits whom God hath for a time entrusted to your care, that you may train them up in all holiness, and fit them for the enjoyment of God in eternity. This is a glorious and important trust; seeing one soul is of more value than all the world beside.

"Every child therefore you are to watch over with the utmost care, that when you are called to give an account of each to the Father of all Spirits, you may give your accounts with joy and not with grief" [1783].