Children should never be seen as an interruption. They are our reward.
God’s Word gives us invaluable insight for successful parenting. Parenting is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it a part-time hobby. Let’s study God’s three descriptions of children from Psalm 127 who obtain hope and help from the ultimate parenting Expert.
“Lo, children are a (1) heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His (2) reward. As (3) arrows are in the hands of a mighty man; so are the children of the youth.” Ps. 127:3
CHILDREN ARE A HERITAGE
There seems to be a clear understanding of ‘how’ to begin a family, but a muddled understanding of the ‘why.’ Most of us have an unconscious awareness that “that’s just what you do” and “it’s nice to have a house full of kids.” While that’s true and fine, there’s a bigger picture here. Children are a heritage. A heritage is “something passed from generation to generation.” A godly heritage is our spiritual responsibility to our great nation and the next generation. When we have finished our race and step into eternity, God plans that our children carry on our spiritual legacy of walking in the fear of the Lord.
CHILDREN ARE A REWARD
It’s important that we see children as God sees them. Whether your children are toddlers, teens, or grown adults, Ps. 127:3 states that they are a reward from the Lord. Think about the joys of a reward. Perhaps it is a report card, an athletic trophy, a college degree, or sliding into jeans two sizes smaller. Rewards are something that you display on a wall so all can see and celebrate with you. This is the way we are to see our children.
Please, please, let me be clear. Children are not an interruption to your personal goals and dreams. They are your personal goals and dreams. I suggest often frazzled parents, with out-of-control schedules and kids, that they limit their activities, learn to say ‘no’ to the constant requests from others, and prioritize your week around the goal of training and enjoying your children.
CHILDREN ARE AS AN ARROW
During the writing of this Psalm, arrows were needed for protection, food, and recreation. The process of an arrow then is similar to the training of children today. There are years of smoothing out rough edges, making them bendable, and also razor-sharp.
Warriors often carved or painted an identifying mark on their arrows. As Christian parents, you can “mark your arrow” by repetitively reinforcing your convictions, godly standards, and eternal priorities. Non-negotiable absolutes should include, “Our family loves God, serves people and supports our local church.” Complaining and rebellion are simply rough spots that need to be smoothed out so that they can later hit the bullseye. Don’t weary of this process because, as they mature, they will penetrate the darkness and be identified by all as a God-fearing believer.
TRAINING, NOT TEACHING
There is a vast difference between training and teaching. Proverbs 6:22 doesn’t say, “Teach a child in the way he should go…” but “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.”
I have ivy in my kitchen that tried its best to grow horizontally. My greater vision for its life was to grow vertically, so she could fill an empty corner and be displayed and admired by many. A stake was inserted and the ivy was gently wrapped around it. Up, up, up this beautiful ivy grew obediently… until I went out of town for a few days. How quickly my ivy reverted to her horizontal ways, nevertheless, I did not give up on it and toss it aside. No, I simply reminded it of my greater (horizontal) plan and applied some pressure throughout the day to accomplish that purpose. Today, she is three feet tall and fills my kitchen corner with joy.
Dear weary parents, don’t tire of the repetitive training process that parenting requires. You’re smoothing, polishing, and sharpening your arrows, while they are still flexible, so they will penetrate the darkness of their generation and fill the corner of their world with great joy.
