Author Darlene J Conard

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” Psalm 127:3-4 KJV

Remember the famous childhood story of Little Red Riding Hood? She mistakenly informed the wolf of her plans to visit her grandmother. Running ahead of her he consumes Grandma. The wolf disguises himself to look like Grandma dressed for bed. Innocent Little Red Riding Hood comes strolling in noticing changes in her appearance. One by one she began to distinguish the difference. Finally, the wolf consumed her as well. The moral of this story is children need to be aware of the dangers in this world.

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”Proverbs 29:15 KJV

Children embody an innocence that we can all learn from. That’s why it’s crucial to protect them by teaching them what’s right and wrong. Be careful what you pour into your child! Proverbs 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV)

What you speak to your child will affect them. Be careful about labeling them. Don’t call them stupid, or worthless, or compare them to another child. Teaching them to think negatively about themselves will carry that mentality into adulthood.

Correction should be done properly. Proverbs 13:24 KJV, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”  This scripture does not imply that you beat your child until they have belt marks on their body.

In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus called for children to gather around him, positioning himself among them while teaching adults. He said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles themselves like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus valued children highly.

When I hear children laughing and singing, I imagine Jesus playing among them. Who’s to say He didn’t? He spoke quite a bit about children!

Unfortunately, children these days are often surrounded by evil agendas and are being manipulated to think that good is evil and evil is good. Though I am not a parent, I have asked God to put me on a path involving children, as I have a passion for them.

As a child, I went to school screaming inside, wishing someone would help me. Forbidden to speak about what went on behind closed doors every day, I thought of ways to escape the emotional and physical abuse. Don’t speak curses over your child as they need your blessing. Jesus even warns, “Do not offend one of these children. Jesus warned His followers, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2 KJV) Think about the heaviness of a milestone hanging around the neck and then plummeting to be seafloor!

 Colossians 3:21 KJV, ^“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

Ephesians 6:4 KJV also says, …  “ye  fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Teach them to pray. Fill their little ears with stories about Jesus and how to love others. Teach them who they are in the eyes of God. Plant within them so that they aren’t too little for God to use them. Years ago, I had a touching experience involving a baby in a church prayer room. Secluded in a corner I knelt with my face buried in a chair sobbing from a heavy heart. My friend’s baby who just learned to take secure steps wobbled to me. Gently little Ellie laid her hand on my back praying for me. It touched me so much! That’s why I love children so much! God used that precious baby to minister to me. I felt blessed and honored that a baby felt concerned enough to nurture my pain through her little but mighty act!

Both scriptures give guidance on correcting your child. Guide them as they grow to fear and reverence the Lord. I’ve often heard parents say, “I’m my child’s best friend.” They need you as a parent. Children are to respect you, but not fear you! Giving them everything they want isn’t going to teach them the value of no. 

Josiah was eight years old when he became king of Israel. He restored the House of the Living God. He understood God’s heart and he reverenced Him.

Your child’s identity relies on you. Your child or children are a blessing from God. Don’t let the enemy come in unaware and destroy them. They are the ones who will make the difference now!

Read about Josiah by clicking this link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2022&version=KJV

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