“Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord, The fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalms 127:3 (AMP)
One of the most popular statements used by parents or elderly in the African culture in order to make their children follow the plans they’ve outlined out for them is “Your parents are your small god’s and so you must obey them in whatever they tell you do.” As good as this statement is, amazingly, there is no proof of it in the Scriptures. The only God you are to have is the Lord God.
God commands that children honour their father and mother in the Lord and this means to obey them and give heed to their instructions but what many do not pay close attention to is that parents are God’s stewards and representatives. As stewards, they have their children as gifts from the Lord and so they are to manage and care well for them, and as representatives, parents are obligated to represent God to their children. The first idea of God that any child will have is from his parents and who they are.
Parents who don’t know God cannot accurately represent God to the children and neither will they steward these children in God’s way. Many children are blamed today for their waywardness and lewdness but if you will be truthful, every child is a product of his first immediate environment and this constitutes primarily of his parents. As a parent, you must raise your children in the way of the Lord by showing them God and His character, not just in words but in actions.
This means that whatever is against the will of God on a general note and also on personal basis, must be what you discourage as a parent. Do not allow your children to live a life that disobey God. And knowing who you are to them sets the tone for a life that seems the Lord. You are to represent God to your children, and not to replace Him in their lives. You must understand this and when you do, you will play your part and allow God have His way in their lives.
Reflections: What are the ways that I have replaced God in the lives of my children? Do I show God to them or make them hate and forget God?
Confession: I understand who I am and the gifts of God to me. I fully represent God everywhere I am and I do not replace Him. My heart is inclined towards Him always. I am a faithful steward and loyal representative of His grace.
Related Scripture: Psalms 127
Bible Reading: Genesis 11&12
