Previous generations where raised under the premise that
children are to be seen and not heard. If they altered in
teaching, the next generation was heard, but their words weren't
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 them 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 didn't 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 don't 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't 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're 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? And, 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're not
possessions, but a gift to raise for Him.) The fruit of the womb
is HIS reward, Ps. 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, Mt. 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, Mt. 7: 21-23.
As in 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, Mt.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, Ph. 2:1-5.
In every way God loves us, we're to love others, in return;
grace for grace, Jn. 1:16. It's our opportunity to give thanks.
® by Joyce C. Lock
.................................................................
About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.