Children - a gift from God

When we believe in God, we really have something valuable to give our children. Think to be allowed to be guides for them, give them the word of life, give them hope and faith in a happy life! This is a task which is completely possible for us as parents, but we need help in order to succeed with this. We can get this help from God, and from fellowship and communion with other believers.

Nowadays it is often the case that there is very little room for children in homes. In one way, you could say that they get in the way of plans for getting an education, a career and obtaining material things. Of course, most people would like to have children; they make homes pleasant and happy. But they have to fit in with one’s own desires and needs.

The Bible teaches us something completely different. King Solomon writes in Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is His reward.” It is also written in a song: “Do you realise what a precious gift you’re given? Nothing else can with these little ones compare... Children bring you toil and work while they are growing. You can clean and deal with problems all day long. But they one day will be grown and from you going. You’ll be glad you took your trials with a song.” (Ways of the Lord, song  #402)

When children are around us they will perceive how much we value them. When we as parents are steadfast and awake in our faith, this will be noticed in everything we do with the children, in all their ups and downs. The good thoughts, encouragement, time, interest, and respect that we give our children will create good memories within them that will last them their whole lives.

How good it is both for us and the children when we play with them in their games! That we can be one of them, and not just someone who “looks after them”. We can build fellowship by being along in their pranks, by competing, playing and singing together, by going on trips and holidays together. It is so easy to talk to the children, instead of talking with them! Let us open our minds to each other and give them empathy and love! Then they will sense that we as parents care about them, and they will feel safe as they approach their youth time.

A fantastic and comprehensive work is going on in our church, the purpose of which is to meet the needs of children of all ages. This takes place through games and activities, and early in life these children get a valuable support network that they often keep as they grow up. And there are many who have experienced that this focussed work with children and young people has helped them preserve their own child-like faith.

Through many generations, we have experienced that when children are valued, when they can develop naturally, then a good field is created in them, where the seed, which is the Word of God, can be sown.

March 2009 

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