The title of this post could be a tongue twister or an
example of alliteration gone bad. Actually it is a simple description of a
great wrap up to our family emphasis month. Yesterday we concluded our Marriage
Matters series with a message on “The Minions of Marriage.” We considered some
Biblical realities that impact our parenting.
The four truths highlighted were:
1. The TREASURE of our children.
Psalm 127:3 tells us that “Children are a heritage from the Lord” and that “the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
One important truth about a treasure is that is typically takes time and effort to unearth it. The same is true with our children. Yes, they are a treasure from the Lord and YES it will take time, effort and hard work to “unearth” the treasure that lies within the lives of those young ones God has entrusted to our care.
Psalm 127:3 tells us that “Children are a heritage from the Lord” and that “the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
One important truth about a treasure is that is typically takes time and effort to unearth it. The same is true with our children. Yes, they are a treasure from the Lord and YES it will take time, effort and hard work to “unearth” the treasure that lies within the lives of those young ones God has entrusted to our care.
2. The TROUBLE of our children.
It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a degree of trouble that goes along with rearing children. The testimony of Scripture is clear that parenting can be troublesome; just ask Adam and Eve, or Eli the priest, or King David. Their parenting was filled with times of trouble and heartache. This reality doesn’t depress us, but rather serves to remind us that troubles shouldn’t shock us – it’s part of the experience. The Bible is clear in telling us that every child is “brought forth in iniquity” (Psa. 51:5). All children are born sinners and all sinners will experience varying degrees of trouble.
It is sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that there is a degree of trouble that goes along with rearing children. The testimony of Scripture is clear that parenting can be troublesome; just ask Adam and Eve, or Eli the priest, or King David. Their parenting was filled with times of trouble and heartache. This reality doesn’t depress us, but rather serves to remind us that troubles shouldn’t shock us – it’s part of the experience. The Bible is clear in telling us that every child is “brought forth in iniquity” (Psa. 51:5). All children are born sinners and all sinners will experience varying degrees of trouble.
3. The TRAINING of our children.
The fact that troubles come does not lessen our responsibility to train our children. Proverbs 22:6 tells us we are to “Train up a child in the way he should go;” Psalm 78:5-7 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9 give us practical advice on how to train our children. Sharing the reality of a living relationship with the Lord should flow naturally out of our knowing the Lord and loving Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Training takes effort but it is what God expects of us and it is what our children need.
The fact that troubles come does not lessen our responsibility to train our children. Proverbs 22:6 tells us we are to “Train up a child in the way he should go;” Psalm 78:5-7 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9 give us practical advice on how to train our children. Sharing the reality of a living relationship with the Lord should flow naturally out of our knowing the Lord and loving Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. Training takes effort but it is what God expects of us and it is what our children need.
4. The TRANSFORMATION of our children.
The good news is that God can CHANGE the heart of our
children. We should endeavor to parent faithfully and prayerfully and in
confidence that God can and will transform our children’s heart in His time and
in His way. Once their heart has been transformed they can then be used by God
to be an agent of transformation in the lives of others. We are raising this
generation to reach the next generation. What an awesome opportunity and
responsibility that is and one that God can accomplish in us and through us as
we surrender to Him.
Well, that is a brief review of the morning message.
Sunday night was an awesome experience for us all. We
estimate that close to 120 showed up for our Family Fellowship Supper. Our students
did an EXCELLENT job of serving at the event. They were there to set-up, serve
and clean up afterwards. Our children’s choir (with the help from a few of our
students) provided special music. I counted 24 young people on the platform –
that was a WONDERFUL blessing. The food and fellowship was enjoyed by everyone
present.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to experience “how good and pleasant
it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Truly it is “there the Lord has commanded
the blessing,” (Psalm 133)
Grateful for the Families and Children of Everett Springs,
Pastor Mike
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