One’s
children are an incredible blessing from God. As difficult as raising them may
be, or as expensive, or complex, we love those times. They are a source of
great joy as we see them learn, do, and struggle as they move toward becoming
complete people in the world. We can likely remember their first steps and the
coming months when they improve so rapidly. This excelling and mastering of
different aspects of life is a source of great pride for us. We love to see
them excel in athletics, academics, art, or a host of other things. In the
midst of all this growth of the child and the encouragement of the parents one
phrase reverberates: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew
6:33). Are we teaching them to seek the kingdom above all else? Do we provide
the training for them to excel in the things of the Lord? Do we put in the time
and have them put in the time to become a good soldier of the Cross? What areas
do we push them in to excel? Where will we allow them to be lax? Will the one
who is being trained to seek first the Kingdom be allowed to skip Wednesday
evening Bible Study in order to study for a test in anatomy or some other
subject? Certainly, they would not. What about allowing them to do so for an
athletic event? Hopefully we can easily see which activity would be more
important. But parents do allow such things and it has come to be viewed by
many as being completely acceptable. It seems that at the heart of this is a parent’s
desire to have their children a success in earthly matters above heavenly
matters. This would be denied if asked outright, but when their practice is
observed it is seen to absolutely be the case. Maybe this is because the
success in earthly endeavors gives us joy and pride. To that another phrase
rings out: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in
the truth.” (III John 4). Get that. NO GREATER JOY. As a parent, there should
be no doubt that what gives you the most joy in this existence is that those
you are or have raised are “walking in the truth”. More important that any
athletic achievement. More desired than any academic accomplishment. More
exciting to you than great success in the world of business. It is their walk
with God and His truth that gives us the greatest joy in the world. Certainly,
if they were to be successful in everything, but walk without God, that would
cause us the greatest sadness imaginable. “For what will it profit a man if he
gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return
for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Just some things for parents to think about as
we go about the task of raising children to be men and women of God. Remember
that we have them but for a season, and for a purpose!
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those
who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the
watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain
that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil; for he
gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage
from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are
the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his
quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks
with his enemies in the gate.”
-
Psalm 127:1–5
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