Children as God's Blessing
The Bible consistently presents children as gifts from the Lord, not burdens to be endured. In Psalm 127:3-5, we read, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage reflects God's original design and His pleasure in families. Throughout Scripture, barrenness was considered a curse, while children were celebrated as evidence of God's favor and blessing.
Jesus Himself elevated the status of children in a culture that often marginalized them. In Matthew 19:14, when disciples tried to turn children away, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." He used children as examples of faith and humility, calling adults to become like them in their trust and dependence on God (Matthew 18:3-4).
Godly Parenting and Training
Scripture provides clear guidance for raising children well. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way they should go; even when old, they will not depart from it." This training encompasses both spiritual instruction and practical discipline. Parents are called to teach children God's Word diligently, as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road."
Discipline, when administered with love, is presented as essential to good parenting. Proverbs 13:24 states, "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." However, Ephesians 6:4 reminds fathers not to exasperate their children but to bring them up "in the training and instruction of the Lord." This balance—firm guidance combined with grace and patience—reflects God's own parenting toward us.
Practical Application for Canadian Families
In our contemporary context, raising good children requires intentionality. As parents and church communities, we must create space for spiritual formation through prayer, Bible study, and worship. We should model Christ-like character for our children to observe and imitate, remembering that they learn as much from what they see as from what we say.
Additionally, we're called to invest in the next generation through mentorship and discipleship. Whether as parents, grandparents, teachers, or church leaders, each Christian has a role in pointing children toward Jesus. This means celebrating their questions, walking with them through struggles, and helping them develop a personal faith in Christ. In a culture that often pulls children away from biblical values, the church must stand as a counter-cultural community, affirming that children are indeed precious gifts deserving of our sacrificial love and spiritual investment.
"Train up a child in the way they should go; even when old, they will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6