CHILDREN

That the generation to come might know them, the CHILDREN who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their CHILDREN – Psalm 78:6

Today is an apt time to meditate on CHILDREN – God’s unique Blessings; His heritage and special Gifts to parents, families, and society (Psa.127:3-4; Jam.1:17). Every adult was once a child. Unfortunately, some missed their childhood due to dysfunctional upbringing connected to failed marriages, child abuse, and early exposure to unholy habits and vices. That’s why some “good gifts” ended up as villains, purveyors of violence, and murderers. Innocent “bundles of joy” transformed into drug addicts and merchants of immorality. Many of such missed the privilege of godly and purposeful parenting. Rather than being groomed by grace and mentored in mercy, they were torn from the age of innocence, and hurled into the world’s dark, destructive wilderness of wickedness.

The antidote to those negative tendencies are in the Book: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Pro.22:6). May the Lord give us wisdom to provide the proper atmosphere to lead our children in His ways by what they see and hear. God’s Word challenges us to raise them according to His standards. For children, correction does much; but encouragement does much more: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonistion of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). The spiritual and social atmosphere in which a child is brought up leaves enduring marks and indelible impact on his or her destiny – for good or evil. Tiny but great seeds of faith can be cultivated in fertile soils of virgin minds.

Most parents want to be proud of their children; but they would also like to be proud of their parents: “...the glory of children is their father” (Pro.17:6b). Another version says, “Parents are the pride of their children”! Children are influenced more by our character than our accomplishments. Who we are counts with them more than what we do. We are models that they imitate and emulate. Our children – whether toddlers or teens – are more impressed by our private testimony than by the variety of awards adorning our walls. They care more about how well we listen than how well we are dressed. The moral choices we make earn their respect more than the championships we win. Every vice in an adult is a harvest of negative nurturing, wrong training or demotivating mentoring.

It is often best to impart important information to children in stories and pictures as these are more easily understood and enjoyed. Telling them stories in God’s Word is particularly crucial to shaping their character. We are responsible to pass on to the next generation what we have seen God do for us and what He has done for His people throughout history (Dt.11:13-21). Psalm 78:1-8 underlines the possibility of God’s mighty works being forgotten and a generation being lost, so the Psalmist called God’s people to never tire of telling the stories of His redemptive acts to future generations (v.4). The purpose of this perpetual rehearsing of their history was to inspire faith, obedience, and hope in God (v.7); and to keep future generations from groping in the darkness of unbelief and rebellion like preceding generations (v.8). Past stories of grace inspire future stories of faith!

Jesus recommends the faith of children (Mt.18:3). God desires that we train our children according to the revelation of His Purposes for their lives. When we nurture them in the fear of the Lord, not only will they give us peace, they’ll also attract the blessings of wealth and riches (Psa.112:1-3). Their character tommorrow is shapened by what we put into their hearts today. What stories, pictures, music or movies fill their childhood? Parenting is a Calling that’s worth more than silver, gold, or fame. In Jesus name, we shall enjoy our children; and they us. We shall never lose them to death, disease, drugs or demonic affiction, bondage or corruption. Parenting is a privilege beyond all price; to guide with love and sacrifice, and write God’s name indelibly on children’s hearts.