How About the Children?

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:3-5

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My parents were the single (most important) factor in leading me to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ. They did not have to force me to follow Christ, but their example of godly living, their challenges and triumphs convinced me at early age, that God was indeed real. Even their defeats and constant efforts to walk in the Word made me want to read my Bible, attend church, and know more about God and more importantly encouraged me to open up my heart to Christ. It is important to remember that children have been given to parents for a few short years so that they might help them to mature into the image of God. Parents have to do everything in their power to mold them into the image of God. Being part of a large family, children have always been a major part of my life. Along with the joy that each child brings into our lives, comes the challenge to raise each of them according to God’s guidelines. A huge part of that challenge is passing on the faith to kids whose priorities are all the High-Tech gadgets (cellular phones, Ipods, video games, sporting events, and the latest trends in clothes, without forgetting the ultimate influence that television has become). And let's not forget the ever dangerous peer pressure that offers temptations of drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity. Today's children are faced with an obvious absence of godly examples and moral living in a society that is moving toward "freedom from religion" instead of "freedom of religion. It is imperative that we all remember that successful parenting always begins within the parent's own relationship with God.

“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). What most parents tend to forget is that children see them put everything in the world ahead of God. It may be money, a career, a spouse or friend, etc. Whatever comes ahead of God in your life and mine is an idol and it sends a message to our children. We are telling them, by our actions, that this thing we love comes ahead of our love for God. Children need to know that no one or no thing comes before our relationship with God. He must be our focus. If we teach them that God is just for Sundays, we are going to raise a generation of hypocrites. We have to live our faith. We cannot teach our children one doctrine while we apply a different to our daily living. And we start when they are young. Many parents fail to teach the children valuable lessons at early age and while they are waiting for them to grow up, they often regrettably found out that it is too late. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. By following God's word we can raise children who resist and serve God faithfully.

Friend, raising children is challenging but it is also one of the most awesome responsibilities any human being can face. The teaching in addition to the conduct of parents will influence children, not just for their immediate future, but for eternity. You and I will largely determine how our children live their lives and more importantly where they will spend eternity.

Praise the Lord!