March 15, 2003, Vol.2, No.6.

DEDICATING OUR CHILDREN

The Bible says, ABehold, children are a heritage form the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward@ (Psalm 127:3). Children, at times, are trying, but who can deny their great blessing? They bring us such joy, and will often humble us. Yes, they are a gift from God. Considering this, let us understand our responsibility to care for those whom God has given us.

Hannah had been vexed by her rival, Peninnah, about being barren ( 1 Samuel 1:5-7). Hannah prayed for a child and promised to dedicate him to the Lord (1Samuel 1:10-11). Hannah was granted her petition and kept her vow to God (1Samuel 1:20, 24-28). Today, we do not take our children to the temple to serve, be we do need to Adedicate@ them to the Lord.

We need to be like Joshua when he said, AAnd if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day who you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD@ (Joshua 24:15). While the rest of the world may be following evil, and while many brethren may be compromising with the world, we must be determined that we and our family will serve the Lord! Parents, especially fathers, must make a resolute stand for holiness and righteousness.

First, we need to ensure that our children see a good example in us. Notice that Joshua said that HE would serve the Lord, along with his house. He, no doubt, set the example and led the way in doing God=s will. Too many parents think it is enough for them to send their children to worship services and Bible study, while they stay at home (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25). Parents must >examine themselves as to whether they are in the faith=(2 Corinthians 13:5). Dad, you neglect your duty to God and family when you lay our of services for TV or sports. Mom, you neglect your duty to God and family when you skip Bible study for some social event. Our actions have a great impression upon our children, therefore we must be diligent to set the right example.

Second, we need to be determined that our house will serve the Lord. As mentioned above, we do need to see to it that our children are in services. We need to place soul-work above homework. We need to place Bible study above band. We need to place service to God above sports. Jesus said of the one seed, ANow he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful@(Matthew 13:22). Yes, the cares of this world, though many may be right in-and-of themselves, often choke out the word! We need to put our priorities in orderBGod being at the top!

Further, as parents, we need to ensure that our children are preparing their lessons (Ephesians 6:4). We are ever so diligent to see that their school work is done, why not be asBor moreBdetermined in seeing that their Bible lessons are done? If you have ever taught a class, you know how disappointing it is to have students who have not done their lessons. Parents, you send a strong message as to what is more important when you place greater emphasis upon the secular than the sacred.

Moreover, we ought to give attention to prayer with the family (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer with the family will do several things. It will show our children the importance of prayer itself (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17). It will show our children how to pray (cf. Matthew 6:9-13). It will show our children upon whom we depend (cf, 1 Peter 5:7). It will show our children that we are concerned with spiritual matters, brethren, and the lost (Ephesians 6:17-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Who can deny the importance of prayer in the family? Set aside time each day to pray.

Finally, we need to take time beyond preparing for services, to study and discuss God=s word with our family (cf. Deuteronomy6:6-9). This needs to start early in their life. Timothy knew the scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15). We want to note that the word Achildhood@ in the New King James Version, or Achild@ in the King James Version or Ababe@ in the American Standard Version is defined as Aan unborn child, embryo, fetus...a new-born child, an infant, a babe (Thayer=s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament). The same Greek word is used to describe John in the womb (Luke 1:41). The point is, we need to teach our children from infancy, even from the womb onward!

Let us ask ourselves the following. On the day of judgment, who will regret spending less time in front of the TV and more time reading and discussing the Bible with our family? Who will be remorseful for having taken the children to services instead of to school activities (even ones in which they are Arequired@ to participate)? Who will grieve over the hours spent in prayer when you could have been playing video games? We dare say, not a single person will mourn over time spent in spiritual matters, but a host of men, including brethren, will be utterly crushed and full of woe because they did not determine that they and their house would serve the Lord.

Let us decide now to serve the Lord. ALet us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us@ (Hebrews 12:1). Will you take a stand in your house? Will you dedicate your children to the Lord?

-Steven F. Deaton, preacher, Lufkin, Texas

Parents,

My children are now grown and out of my home. But, I very clearly remember how difficult it was for me to Afind the time@to do all of the Anecessary@ things everyday. Especially, when I was working outside the home on a regular basis, and my husband was traveling many different places preaching, there Ajust were not enough hours in the day.@

Let me give you a little advice from viewpoint of one who has been where you are now. First, an immaculate house is not nearly so important as a pure soul. (It is important however, to stay at least one step of the local health department!!!!) A well balanced physical meal, although we should try to keep our family healthy, is not as important as a spiritual diet of God=s word. Just as you do not allow them all sweets and soft drinks, don=t let ALL their >free= time be spent on videos and games that do not build them up spiritually. The clothing that our family wears should be first of all decent, and appropriate (a fancy party dress, or white shirt and tie are not for playing in the mud, just as ragged t-shirts and dirty clothes are not for the assembly of the saints when we are worshiping God), but the latest styles are not essential. Your children do not need every toy advertised on TV or every video that is released. They need you teaching them how to live for Christ. They need to see you studying, and they need you encouraging them to study. What kind of grades would your child receive at school if they never took their textbooks or completed their lessons?

I remember thinking that my kids would NEVER grow up. Guess what? They did, and I no longer have the influence over them that I did while they were young and living in my house. Your children will be gone in a few years; don=t waste the time that you have with them on non-essentials. Make sure that you have your life organized with God as the most important part of it, and then teach the same to your children.