They are a gift to us for our enjoyment in which we benefit from as we get to teach them and watch them grow up strong in the Lord, faithful and bold.
Without knowing and believing the true meaning of children, it is not possible to know what to do with them.
The culture tells us a lot of different things that children are for, but there is only one meaning that is true and without this vital knowledge few parents enjoy their children or gain the benefits that were meant for them to receive.
Much of the culture seems to believe that having children makes us happy, yet they are inconvenient to teach them the knowledge that we have spent a lifetime learning. The problem with this is that we miss the reward of teaching them and we miss the reward of seeing them profit in life from what we taught them.
Children don’t make us happy just because we have them. They bring us joy when they grow with the knowledge of the Lord that we helped deposit in them. If we skip this step, we are unlikely to experience the joy of watching them grow up strong in the Lord.
Teaching children about the Lord is critical to experience the full reward that the Lord intended for us, because without this step, our children are likely to be taught false ideas by the world around them. Ideas that will lead them to destroy their lives. If we neglect to teach our children about the Lord, we not only lose out of the full reward but have to watch them struggle in frustration as the lies they were taught fail to result in fruitful lives.
This is why the bible is different from every other book, because it contains the wisdom of life. If you believe what is says and take it to heart, you will live a life of incredible riches that cannot be bought or found anywhere in the world.
Spending time with children is part of the joy, as we fulfill their desire for our time and energy. If we take on the attitude around us we will give our children material things instead of our time and attention, we rob ourselves and them. Children don’t need all of the martial things we can buy, they are a counterfeit. Things won’t satisfy. The latest video game, computer game or form of technology is a way to get them out of your hair. Don’t allow the TV to be the babysitter.
I would like to encourage you to take a look at the things you buy your children and check your motive. Does it benefit your child?
We need to have God’s perspective of children. He says in His word;
“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:3-5 NAS)
God’s view and perspective will help simplify our lives. We don’t have to buy the latest gadget instead we can simply play catch outside, go to the park, or for a bike ride together. This allows us the chance to slow down and enjoy the gifts God has given and quit trying to fit in with our neighbors who may not understand how valuable children really are. Instead we can be an example to our neighbors so they too can learn to enjoy them.
Take the time needed to parent, enjoy and God will give you His love for children and the full reward. He will guide you and bless you with the energy needed to be there for them.