CHILDREN
God could have developed a system in which we would have been cloned as adult replicas of our parents. No childhood, no mess with growing up. But God had a better idea. He conceived of a plan by which we would enter the world as babies, grow up through the joys of childhood, learn how to rely on others, and see the world through eyes of simple faith before taking on the world as adults. Childhood should be a special time of delight, when the world seems fresh, carefree, simple. The miracle of growth is a special concept from God, and those who participate with their children in this miracle are the richer for it. God planned childhood not merely for the child, but also for the parents.
WHAT DID JESUS THINK OF CHILDREN?
Matthew 18:2-6 . . . Jesus called a small child over to him . . . Then he said, “I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Entering heaven and greatness in heaven are keyed to childlikeness. Jesus thought childhood extremely important to attach such significance to it.
Mark 10:16 . . . Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Jesus wanted to make it clear that children are special in his eyes. He blessed them as a father would bless his sons. If Jesus had such a high regard for all children, shouldn’t we also have a high regard for them?
WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DOES GOD WANT PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO HAVE?
Ephesians 6:1, 4 . . . Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do . . . [Fathers], don’t make your children angry by the way you scold them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 . . . Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
Parents are God’s shepherds for their children, commissioned to guide them, nurture them, care for them, clothe them, feed them, and help them come to know the Lord.
WHAT CHILDLIKE CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD AN ADULT RETAIN?
Matthew 18:3-4 . . . Then he said, “I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Luke 10:21 . . . Then Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.”
Mark 10:14-15 . . . When Jesus saw what was happening. . . .he said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.”
Like children, we must cultivate simple faith and humility before the Lord.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP GOD INTENDED BETWEEN PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN?
Ephesians 6:1-4 . . . Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, “you will live a long life, full of blessing.” And now a word to you fathers. Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.
Parents are entrusted to teach their children to walk in God’s ways and to discipline in love. Children are to respond with respect and obedience.
HOW CAN I MOST EFFECTIVELY TEACH MY CHILD ABOUT GOD AND HIS WAYS?
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 . . . Commit yourselves completely to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.
Proverbs 22:6 . . . Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.
Exodus 10:2 . . . You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and grandchildren about the marvelous things I am doing among the Egyptians to prove that I am the Lord.
As parents, we have the remarkable privilege of living what we want our children to learn (role modeling), sharing God’s truth we want them to hear (precepts), guide them in which way to go (choices), and then watch with joy as our work continues to future generations.
WHY ARE STORIES USED SO MUCH WITH CHILDREN?
Exodus 13:8-9 . . . During these festival days each year, you must explain to your children why you are celebrating. Say to them, “This is a celebration of what the Lord did for us when we left Egypt.” This annual festival will be a visible reminder to you, like a mark branded on your hands or your forehead. Let it remind you always to keep the Lord’s instructions in your minds and on your lips. After all, it was the Lord who rescued you from Egypt with great power.
Storytelling is an age-old method instituted by God, proven by people of all generations, and always accepted by children.
PROMISE FROM GOD:
Isaiah 59:21 . . . My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever.