Luke 21:36 KJV
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Beloved,
As kingdom-minded parents, we must be deliberate about what we expose our children to and the atmosphere we create around them because they are watching and listening, even when they behave as if they are not.
Most one year old’s know their way to YouTube on a parent’s phone to watch their favorite cartoon. It’s a lie of the devil to think a child does not know much about their surroundings and a dereliction of duty to fail to properly prepare a generation for destiny fulfillment by allowing children to spend hours watching cartoons on various electronics to keep them occupied and distracted. The Bible mandates:
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Someone or something is parenting our children and we might not be privileged to know who and when at times. It is imperative that we make the most of the time we have with them by involving them in Christ-centered activities and programs, and make sure to create an atmosphere at home where their spirit thrives.
We recently rounded off our annual summer camp designed especially to help kids enjoy and take seriously their walk with Jesus, so that they might enjoy His full expression in their lives. During this time I saw something so amazing. I was leading a prayer and of course many of the adults were praying, too. I saw a two year old precious daughter of Zion; she watched carefully as the adults around her prayed and she emulated them to perfection, checking repeatedly to make sure she got it right.
What is your baby hearing? What are your children hearing? Are you exposing them to the word of God. Are you allowing them to see the God of your salvation at work in your life? Let me share with you an account written by Dr. Luke:
Luke 18:15-17 NLT
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Firstly, there is something Jesus wants us to see here: when it comes to enjoying the kingdom of God, there is a level of submission, yielding, purity, and eagerness to learn and receive that is required. Have you ever seen a child when they come in contact with some ice cream or candy? They don’t hold back. You will see their excitement and how much they hunger and thirst for the treat. You will see how they can discipline themselves to do the needful to qualify to enjoy that candy. You’ll see how they are not ashamed to cry and pant and beg. This is how you should hunger and thirst for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done in your life.
A kid will not keep silent about whatever it is that excites them. In fact, you’ll have to plead with them to discuss any other thing because they are literally overflowing with joy and fulfillment. Such should be your attitude when it comes to God’s kingdom being established in your life. Your children are watching. They see you and they see the difference between fake and authentic, genuine joy and satisfaction. Let them see you and your right posture towards the God of your salvation.
Next time, we will talk about things God needs us to understand and how we must govern ourselves accordingly when it comes to God’s heart towards His precious children. For now, take your time to think about the role you play as a father, mother, uncle, auntie or teacher. What are children learning about God through you as they hear your everyday conversation and see your priorities. Please know that no matter how much it seems your child is not paying attention, they are infact always paying attention. They hear what you are saying and not saying and they are learning from you. May they learn the correct posture to take to enjoy the God of your salvation.
I commend you to God and to the word of His grace.
I call you blessed. I call you NATIONS.
