“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Christian leader and preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “He gives children, not as a penalty nor as a burden, but as a favour. They are a token for good if we know how to receive and educate them. They are ‘doubtful blessings’ only because we are doubtful persons.” He was referring to the fact that it’s God Who gives us children.
They are a blessing, a reward, and an inheritance from the Lord, according to God’s Word (Psalm 127:3-5). God expects us to always value and treasure them as God-given. Ultimately, they belong to Him – He gives them to us for a season, and He expects us to fear Him and raise them to fear Him. We are to raise and teach them to honour and serve Him (Ephesians 6:4). He expects us to love them, to teach them that He loves them, and to teach them to love Him. We are to train and prepare them for a godly life and then launch them out as arrows from a bow to positively impact their surroundings.
Now more than ever in today’s world, there are challenges for parents. While there have been some incredible advancements in technology and education, there are aspects of modern parenting that pose more challenges than previously. As parents, we must carefully nurture and train our children and release them only when the time is right. Feeding them, clothing them, and housing them are not enough. It is imperative that we teach them about God, about life, and how to live godly lives.
The Scripture says that children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior (parents) (Psalm 127:4). It is the duty and responsibility of parents to carefully shape and form their children’s lives in the ways of the Lord. They are to guide them with skill and strength and be given care, or they will not fly straight. They are a heritage, an allotted portion that we as parents must safeguard and nurture.
Read: Psalms 127:3-5; Matthew 18:5-6
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 55:1-11; John 3:1-21; Joshua 21:20-45; Joshua 22
