READ: Proverbs 13:1, 13:24, 15:20, 19:18, 22:6, 29:15
The Bible is
clear that children are gift from God. So many blessings flow from having
children. Some of the blessings include: they are cute(!), they have an
innocence that can be a shining example of the type of faith we’re to have as
followers of Christ, they can bring much joy through their enthusiasm, they
allow us to multiply ourselves in our goal to further God’s Kingdom, they can
help us when we get older (seriously!), they can show us an example of Christ’s
love when we make mistakes (very forgiving when they’re young), they can help us become more like Jesus
through the need for personal growth and they cause us to rely on Christ’s
strength and wisdom.
However, this
gift and its blessings are harder to receive with joy if our children end up
foolish. Or as Proverbs notes, “a wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish
man despises his mother” (15:20). The pain that is felt when children go astray
is very wide and deep. While they do have free will, Proverbs also emphasizes
that HOW we parent can really impact how they develop and mature. When we
invest the time as parents (and as churches) to raise godly children, we
benefit many times over.
“Train up a child
in the way he should go . . .”, Proverbs 22:6 challenges. Training has many
elements. It involves being intentional, hard
work, prayer, having a plan and regularly re-evaluating the plan. Effective training is done through both
teaching AND modelling. Finally, such training should include discipline.
“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him
to death” (19:18). All of this can seem
overwhelming, but OUR Father can lead us as we seek to shepherd our children.
Praise His Name, as He grants us such precious gifts!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Reflect
on the qualities of young children. What is it about young children that God
wants us to imitate? Ask God to develop these qualities in you.
2.
If
you have children, ask God to show you how you can grow as a parent (even if
your children are adults already). Ask Him to grant you both the wisdom and
grace for this huge responsibility. Thank Him for how being a parent has shaped
you. If you don’t have children, pray for the parents that you know – that God
may give them everything they need. Also ask God – is there any way that I can
encourage specific parents or children?
