“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Psalm 127:3
Though at times children seem more of a burden than a blessing, they are given to us from the Lord. For they are the Lord’s inheritance and His just reward given to us. Throughout the Word of God (KJVB) it is shown that God is the one who opens or closes the womb in rewarding children. Notice (Gen. 29:31 “And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”) Jacob knew who was in control in the providing of children. (Gen. 30:2 “And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?”)
In years past it was a place of honor to have many children around the table. (“As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” Ps. 127:4-5) Even today there are countries concerned over the drop in child births. The detrimental effect it has and will have on society.
Today people are self-indulgent and only care for the pleasures they can provide for themselves. If a child (pregrancy) happens, well we can just abort. Wicked! How many children would have been men of God, have people murdered? David declares, (“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Ps. 139:13-14) God rewarded the parents of Jermiah with a son that would be a prophet and serve God’s people Israel. (“Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jer. 1:3-4) What if those parents had the attitude of the wicked of today?
Some attitudes are children would wreck my social life, or we cannot afford them. (“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”Rom. 1:17) It is only by the mercy, goodness, and providential care of our mighty God and Lord Jesus Christ we even live and breathe. How much more shall He be able to care for His own? Be not faithless but believing. The Lord gave my wife and I seven children. Amen.
Once children arrive from the Lord, God excepts parents to raise them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4) This means training, (“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6) Training a child does not mean they are to watch you and learn; however, the child, if able, performs the task and the parent teaches them while they do it. This I believe is training. Now to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord also means discipline, (“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” Prov. 23:13-14) (Prov. 22:15) This does not mean child abuse in injuries to a child, that is wrong and wicked. Yet spanking correctly is not wrong in this writer’s opinion. I personally know. Ouch.
Another rule is to take your children to a Bible (KJVB) believing church. In not doing so is child abuse, for you are not raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. David declares, (“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Ps.122:1) Learning God’s Word goes hand in hand with church attendance, (“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps. 119:9-11) Teaching children to memorize and obey God’s Word is paramount in child development.
There are many other lessons that could be said on this subject. We have just covered a few. Yet remember if you will live by faith in our mighty God and strive to raise thy children, the heritage of the Lord, in His nurture and admonition, thy children shall become a joy and rejoicing of thy heart. (“My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.” Prov. 23:15) (Prov. 10:1,5; 13:1; 15:20; 27:11; 28:7; 23:24) Sadly, even though, the devil and the world never sleep and often pull our children away. Be strong, pray, pray, pray, believe. In time God will answer, just pray children will hear, heed, and obey.