SEEING CHILDREN THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD

Christians must welcome children as Jesus did. He used them as an example of how believers should receive the Kingdom of Heaven. Childlikeness, an attitude of simple trust and faith, is recommended by scriptures as an appropriate attitude for the believer to take towards God. This is to be distinguished from childishness, or childish behaviour in an adult.

1. RECOGNISING THE ESSENTIAL INNOCENCE OF CHILDHOOD

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Christ had a high view of children, so much so that He used them as an example of proper conversion to adults. Jesus always received them. He carried them, swung them up to himself and blessed them. In them He saw special qualities He expected in Christians.

Trust () - Trust of a child is what God expects of us. A children trusts completely, allows himself/herself to be led by the parent or guardian. God expects the same of us. We must trust in Him completely and unreservedly! If not, the Lord is saying that we are not “converted” enough to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Obedience () - Obedience is a characteristic of all children, and is to be the lifestyle of all who serve the Lord. You cannot claim to serve the Lord if you do not obey His word (). No parent is going to be happy though their child calls them mummy, daddy, daddy but refuses to obey what they say.

Humility () - That’s exactly what Jesus is saying here. While young King Solomon maintained childlike humility, God mightily blessed him (). 2. ENVISIONING THE EXPECTED GROWTH INTO ADULTHOOD

2. ENVISIONING THE EXPECTED GROWTH INTO ADULTHOOD

Humility () - While young King Solomon maintained childlike humility, God mightily blessed him (). Humility is required of every believer (,; ; ; ). When we humble ourselves in the mighty hand of God, He will lift us up.

Innocence () - Children are innocent, and God wants all of us who have become children of God to be innocent. Only the innocent can get into heaven ().

2. ENVISIONING THE EXPECTED GROWTH INTO ADULTHOOD

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Children will grow into adulthood. But before that time they are still children and will not behave like adults. Our children will grow. And when they grow they will not be a clone of us! We take our example from Jesus.

When He grew to His Bar-Mitzvah age, we see a very interesting story about Him. At the age of 12, He already knew what His mission was going to be - It was the Business of His Father ()! He still remained obedient to His earthly parents. This is a very important message for all our children. Remain obedient to your parents according to the Lord.

Parents, at the age of 12, Jesus knew exactly what He was going to do. Please don’t always insist on choosing career for your children. Yes you can guide them. Yes you can suggest careers based on your knowledge. But give them the freedom to choose their own careers. Remember it is theirs and not yours. Your responsibility is simply to help them achieve academic success.

3. ENCOURAGING CHRISTLIKE LOVE ACCEPTANCE FOR CHILDREN

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It is our responsibility to teach and guide our children. Where we have difficulty is in the clash of cultures. Parents please remember one thing. Your children did not grow up in Africa. They only thing they know about African culture is what they get from you or from Mount Zion movies. I am sure you are not planning to relocate them to Africa; you want them to study, succeed and work and live here. If so , have you considered that they need more to learn how to navigate safely in this culture than in African culture?

Let your children teach you about this a little bit, for example, how to pronounce certain English words, etc. I think it will do you good.

Christ so very much wants children protected. Still He wants them to be heard, and not just seen. You will help the emotional grow of your children a lot if you begin to listen to them.

Be less harsh on your children (). There are many things you may or say that can permanently damage the emotional wellbeing of your child. Please avoid using negative words and expressions against your children, even when you get angry ().

The children God has given to us are His blessings. Cherish your children and let them know that you do. If they make mistake still receive them. That is what God does with us!

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Children and Parents

Children and Parents

The following appeared in Home Living, May 1980: My child, what can I give you?

I should like to give you everything so that you lack for nothing, not even one single desire, but I know that for want of many things I have come to be satisfied with what I have and to think of others and their needs.

I should like to give you a life full of fun and games, but I know that because of many “chores” and responsibilities of my youth, I have learned to be responsible.

I should like to protect you from all the errors of your youth, but I know that because of my failures, I have learned to make better decisions.

I should like to give you a profession of wealth or importance, but I realize that man is truly happy only when he fulfills the purpose for which God has created him. What then, my child, can I give you that would be of any real value?

I give you my love, which means that I accept you, without reservations, just as you are and will be.

I give you my personal presence in order that you will have the security you need during your childhood.

I give you my ears, in the sense that I will never be too busy to listen to you—sometimes never uttering even one word.

I give you opportunities to work so that you might learn to do it without shame and come to enjoy the satisfaction of work well done.

I give you my counsel only when it is necessary or you ask for it so that you might avoid some of the mistakes I have made.

I give you my consolation when you have failed or feel discouraged, but I will not always protect you from the consequences of your sins.

I give you instructions in the way of the Lord so that when you are old, you will never depart from it.

I give you my daily prayers that the Lord will keep you and guide you in such a way that you, my child, will be a man or woman who will serve and glorify our Heavenly Father.