“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3).
Dear Heavenly Father, what a joy it is to be co-creators with You! What a privilege You gave to mom and dad to bring little boys and girls into a home environment, where there is love, trust, respect, and a commitment to each other. Help us to be accountable to these little ones, that by Your grace, we will prepare them for a place in Your kingdom! In the name of Jesus Christ we humbly pray. Amen, and Amen.
The month of February is over, but we have very special members of the family that I could not leave out, the children! These precious little ones, who do not have any say in their forming a part of the family, but if, and when, they arrive, they are usually a source of great joy!
Again, I qualify my statement with the adverb usually. Unfortunately, many children come into the world unwanted, which results in much suffering for these innocent little ones. At other times, they come into the world with challenges that cause pain, not only to them, but also to parents, whose love for their little ones, causes them pain, as they watch them suffer!
But today, let us consider ways in which we can rear our precious junior members of the family firm in such a way, that they will love and revere God, love and respect their parents and others, love and respect themselves, thereby being blessed, as well as being a blessing, to others.
- Children have a right to be loved unconditionally. This is one way of preparing them to receive salvation by grace, through faith, and not go through life feeling that they have to appease an angry God, in order to earn salvation by “their” good works!
- Children should be respected. They are little people who have the right to give, and expect to receive, the respect of parents and others. This is the best way, to teach respect, or any other worthy principle – by example!
- Help them to see themselves as a heritage from the Lord. Not a burden, or worse, a mistake! I have seen too many youth who became, what they thought they were. It is a very sad thing to see, and hear, a child or youth cry, because they were called “a mistake!”
- Never compare them with anybody!!! Not a sibling, not a friend, not a neighbor! They are unique, by God’s design!
- Be willing and humble in asking their forgiveness when you know that you have done them wrong. Sometimes this will cause you to weep with them, binding them close to you.
- Let them know, that after Jesus, you are their best friend, and that they can share anything with you. Never betray their trust in your confidentiality. Let them know, that as their parents, both mom and dad have a right to know certain things.
- It is better to surprise, than to disappoint! Do not promise if you are not sure you can keep your promise to them. It will make it hard for them to learn to trust God, if they are constantly disappointed. Remember, you are the first, and may probably be the only face of God to them. There will be exceptions of course, but do your best to be trustworthy!
- Teach them how a safe touch feels by embracing and kissing them, appropriately, as a parent.
- Bless them! Call them to your side and pronounce a blessing from the Lord upon them from time to time. Declare over them who you know God created them to be! Let them never forget that their destination is Heaven at last! And this is a Gift from God!