VICAR
Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well. This week ahead will see many of Your children or grandchildren return to school, so today I would like to focus on the children.
What does the New Testament say about children?
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”
Matthew 18:1-3
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ ”
There’s a saying that rings true for all parents: Having a child is like having your heart walking around outside of your body. As any mother or father knows, the process of raising a child is rich with emotions, uncertainties, joys, and sorrows. Whether you’re a parent, expectant parent, or grandparent, there’s an endless well of comfort, advice, and quotes about gratitude to be found in the Bible.
After all, we’re all children of God, so it’s no surprise His Word is full of parenting wisdom, and understanding, when it comes to the unconditional love (and, also: the worrying, discipline, second-guessing…) that goes into caring for another human.
What You find about children is also worth taking note of for yourself, for those days when you need a little reassurance that you’re directing your child—your heart—down the right path.
God Bless You all. Have a peaceful Sunday and a pleasant week ahead.
I give my child(ren) to you today and everyday. Keep him/her and his/her schoolmates safe and protected, Father God. I ask that this school year you would use every person, every experience and every lesson to shape him/her into Your image, to grow in his/her fruit of Your spirit. God, grow in his/her heart. Amen