Our children are not burdens; they are blessings from the Lord. Before getting married, it’s essential to grasp this truth from the Bible to have the right mindset about one of the significant purposes of marriage. Our children present us with the most incredible opportunity to raise them as disciples and vessels of God’s glory. This beautiful and sacrificial task was never intended for the government or the education system. It was meant to be entrusted to parents. We are called to make disciples of all nations, and that includes our own children. This is how God’s Kingdom becomes evident here on Earth.
The Bible verse in Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This verse reminds us of the importance of guiding our children from an early age, setting them on the right path.
When we reflect on Psalm 127:3, it affirms that children are a heritage and a reward from the Lord. They bring joy and purpose to our lives. Understanding this truth before entering into marriage helps us have the right perspective on the role of children in our lives.
Our children provide us with a remarkable opportunity to raise them as disciples of God, vessels of His glory. As parents, we have been given the precious responsibility of nurturing their faith and character. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to impress God’s commandments on our children, talking about them in our daily lives. This means we should continually teach and exemplify God’s ways to our children in every situation.
In a world that often emphasizes the role of institutions in shaping children’s lives, the Bible teaches us that the primary responsibility lies with parents. Ephesians 6:4 emphasizes the role of fathers in bringing up children in the training and instruction of the Lord. This verse highlights the significance of parental involvement in the spiritual upbringing of our children.
Our calling as parents extends beyond our immediate family. Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of all nations. This includes our own children. Our homes become a microcosm of God’s Kingdom, where we nurture and raise children who love and follow Him.
As we embrace the privilege of raising our children in the ways of the Lord, we contribute to the manifestation of God’s Kingdom on Earth. Our children become beacons of His light, spreading His love and truth in the world around them. This aligns with God’s desire for His Kingdom to be visible and active among us.
So, let’s cherish the incredible gift of our children and embrace our role as parents. Let’s faithfully teach, guide, and demonstrate God’s ways to them, both in our words and actions. May our homes be filled with His love, grace, and truth as we raise a generation that will carry forward His legacy and shine His light in a world that desperately needs it.
Fathers and Mothers of Faith
In 1 Corinthians 4:14-17, the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians as a loving warning, not to shame them. He wants to remind them that even though they may have many teachers, they only have one spiritual father, and that is him. He became their father in Christ Jesus when he shared the Good News with them.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to imitate him, to follow his example in their own lives. To reinforce his teachings, he sends his beloved and faithful disciple, Timothy, to remind them how he follows Christ. This is the same message Paul shares in all the churches he visits.
As we grow in our own families and marriages, it’s important to also grow in our spiritual family, the Kingdom Family. Just as God sent people into our lives to help us build a strong foundation in our faith, now it’s our turn to help others with their foundation.
We are called to be spiritual fathers and mothers, guiding and supporting others as they grow in their faith. In Ephesians 6:4, it says, “Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching that comes from the Lord.” This means we have a responsibility to nurture our children’s faith.
Jesus also gave us a mission in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples and teach them to obey everything He commanded. As parents, we have the privilege to fulfill this mission within our own families, teaching our children to love God and follow His ways.
As we continue to grow in our family and marriage, let’s not forget to also invest in our Kingdom Family. Let’s help others establish a strong foundation in Christ, just as we have received help from those who came before us. Through our love and example, we can contribute to the growth and strength of the Kingdom Family, sharing God’s love and truth with everyone around us.
Empowering God’s Legacy
In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul addresses Timothy, his dear son in the faith, and encourages him to be strong in the grace that comes from God through Christ Jesus. Paul reminds Timothy that he has already heard him teach important truths, which have been confirmed by reliable witnesses. Now, Paul instructs Timothy to pass on these teachings to other trustworthy individuals who will then continue the chain of passing them on to others.
Our responsibility as followers of Christ is not limited to our own family and marriage. It extends to those around us as well. We are called to raise others up in their faith journey, just as we have been raised. This process may seem slow and complex, but it aligns with the model Jesus provided through His disciples. We become vessels and role models to others, reflecting what God speaks about in the Bible through our families and marriages.
As people observe and imitate our lives, just as they did with Paul, we create a legacy that extends beyond our own lifetime. Our influence has the potential to impact others in profound ways. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus teaches us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By living out our faith and sharing God’s truth, we become a beacon for others to follow.
In Proverbs 22:6, it says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This verse reminds us of the importance of teaching and guiding others, including our own children, in the ways of the Lord. Our actions and teachings have the power to shape their lives and create a lasting impact.
So, let us embrace our role in passing on the teachings of faith. As we pour into the lives of others, we contribute to a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves. Let our families and marriages be a living testimony to the goodness and truth of God. Through our faithful example, we have the opportunity to inspire others to walk in the ways of Christ and glorify our Father in heaven.
The Future with the New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:2 (NIV): “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”
As we think about the importance of our children and the legacy we leave behind, let’s imagine ourselves as citizens of the new Jerusalem. In this analogy, our families and marriages play a big role in populating this heavenly city.
Just like God wanted people to fill the Earth and have many children (Genesis 1:28), our job as believers is to populate the new Jerusalem, which is God’s Kingdom. Our children, when raised as followers of God, become like seeds that grow and spread within this special city.
We need to remember that our children are not a burden but a blessing from God. They are the ones who will continue sharing God’s love and truth in the future. God has entrusted us with the important task of raising children who will carry on the legacy of faith.
Our homes become a small version of the new Jerusalem, where we teach and live out the values and principles of God’s Kingdom. By raising our children to know and love God, we help the heavenly city grow within our own families.
In this population of the new Jerusalem, our example and teachings are important for others to follow. When we live out our faith, imitating Jesus and showing His love to others, we become beacons of light, guiding people towards God’s Kingdom.
Just like Jesus told His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), we are also called to make disciples within our own families. Our children are the first disciples we have the responsibility to teach and guide. As they grow in their faith, they become messengers of God’s Kingdom, sharing His love and truth with others.
So, let’s embrace our roles as parents, fathers, and mothers, knowing that we are part of something bigger in populating the new Jerusalem. As we raise our children to follow God, we contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom on Earth and in eternity. May our families be a testimony of God’s love and grace, inspiring others to join us in populating the new Jerusalem, where God’s glory shines forever.
