are to be seen and not heard. If they altered in teaching, the
next generation was heard. But, their words were not taken
seriously; as adults always think they know more than children
do.
Following generations often have few to no guidelines, wherein
children's behavior screams for someone to care enough to say,
"No."
Though, what if God did that to us? When we call out to Him, can
you imagine God responding with, "I can't hear you"? When we cry,
what if He mocked our words, "Cry my hands full. You're nothing
but a big baby"? Or, we could be given blame for all that ails
us, "All he does is wine", or even worse, "Come here and I'll
give you something to cry about!"
What if God did not care more about you than the comfort of the
moment, "Sure, do whatever you want. I just want you to like me."
Try some of that on church visitation and see how effective you
are. But, instead, God takes great care in parenting, to do it
right. He looks deeper, to meet the need of the heart.
Why should God listen to our prayers when we do not listen to our
children?
Doesn't God love us enough to say, "No", when it will hurt us or
someone else?
Still worse were the teachings of "spare the rod, spoil the
child". During the days of preaching 'hell, fire, and brimstone',
parents showed children what they thought God was like; drawing
blood, in the name of the Lord. What happened to "thy rod and thy
staff they comfort me"?
Is it any wonder adults think they can not come to God?
Once children 'know' they have a consistent place of refuge they
can depend upon, in time of need, many annoying traits of
childhood disappear.
Few come to realize children are living souls first and children
second. Taking God as a perfect example, we are to be spiritual
parents. Only when children become willfully defiant, for
non-need reasons, do we have the right to act in disciplinary
fashions and, still then, with God's guidance.
If God offered us grace, then, why do we hold children
accountable under our law (or His), without consideration of
extenuating circumstances? When we accuse and punish children,
without considering their heart or getting facts straight, we
could be shedding innocent blood.
Children are an heritage of the LORD. They are not possessions,
but a gift to raise for Him. The fruit of the womb is HIS reward.
Psalm 27:3
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the
tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his
fruit. Matthew 12:33 The relationship children have with parents
will affect their relationship with God. For, however we perceive
earthly parents is how we perceive God.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And
in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23
As is with everything, the only way to parent perfectly is to ask
God every time; letting Him be our parent. Not every one that
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his
house upon a rock. Matthew 7:21, 24.
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort
of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and
mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same
love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done
through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his
own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5
In every way God loves us, we are to love others in return and
that includes our children; grace for grace (John 1:16). It is
our opportunity to thank Jesus for loving us.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:
and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:26
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© by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewith
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