What about…Children?

By Dr. Jed N. Snyder, President, Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc.

When we think about children, we usually have a very tender heart attitude.  They seem so promising, yet so vulnerable.  We want to protect and care for them.  Indeed the Bible has a multitude of statements about children.  Here is one that warms our hearts.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.  Psalm 127:3-5 

Then there is the two-edged statement of obedience and care between fathers and children.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),  “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:1-4

When we connect the kindhearted, appropriate, attitude toward disciple as in this passage, we are more likely to have the restraint and sorrow needed for the stronger forms of discipline stated in the following verse.  Restraint is needed, never to discipline too harshly, and sorrow that the discipline is required to help bring the child into the self-discipline of a full and meaningful life. Without help and guidance a child will not successfully rear him/herself. Good discipline demonstrates real love, no discipline, no love.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.  Proverbs 13:24

Happy with the blessing of children as a gracious gift from our Lord Jesus Christ.