"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3.

"Children are too often seen as liabilities rather than assets. But the Bible calls children 'an heritage of the Lord,' a reward. We can learn valuable lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. Those who view children as a distraction or nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future. We dare not treat them as an inconvenience when God values them so highly." - Life Application Bible, p. 1060.

"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me." Mark 9:36, 37.

"Jesus taught the disciples to welcome children. This was a new approach in a society where children were usually treated as second-class citizens. It is important not only to treat children well, but also to teach them about Jesus...." - Life Application Bible, p. 1670.

"And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Luke 18:15-17.

"It was customary for a mother to bring her children to a rabbi for a blessing, and that is why these mothers gathered about Jesus. The disciples, however, thought the children were unworthy of the Master's time - less important than whatever else he was doing. But Jesus welcomed them because little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter God's Kingdom. It is important that we introduce our children to Jesus and that we ourselves approach him with childlike attitudes of acceptance, faith, and trust." - Life Application Bible, p. 1766.

Importance Of Godly Training

To Make Own Decisions/Wisdom

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.

"'In the way he should go' is literally, 'according to his [the child's] way.' It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural inclinations that parents can develop. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, we can better discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child. Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don't have to watch every step he takes. They know he will remain on the right path because he has made the choice himself." - Life Application Bible, p. 1112.

"For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth." Proverbs 4:3-5.

"One of the greatest responsibilities of parents is to encourage their children to become wise. Here Solomon tells how his father, David, encouraged him to seek after wisdom (see 1 Kings 2:1-9 and 1 Chronicles 28, 29 for David's full charge to his son). This encouragement may have prompted Solomon to ask God for wisdom above everything else (1 Kings 3:9). Wisdom can be passed on from parents to children, from generation to generation. Ultimately, of course, all wisdom comes from God; parents can only urge their children to turn to him for wisdom. If your parents never taught you in this way, God's Word can function as a loving and compassionate mother or father to you. You can learn from the Scriptures and then create a legacy of wisdom as you rear your own children." - Life Application Bible, p. 1083.

Obedience/Honor

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4.

"If our faith in Christ is real, it will usually prove itself at home, in our relationships with those who know us best. Children and parents have a responsibility to each other. Children should honor their parents even if the parents are demanding and unfair. Parents should care gently for their children, even if the children are disobedient and unpleasant. Ideally, of course, Christian parents and Christian children will relate to each other with thoughtfulness and love. This will happen if both parents and children put the others' interests above their own - that is, if they submit to one another. There is a difference between obeying and honoring. To obey means to do as one is told; to honor means to respect and love. Children are to obey while under their parents' care, but the responsibility to honor parents is for life. The purpose of parental discipline is to help children grow, not to hurt or discourage them (see also Colossians 3:21). Parenting is not easy - it takes lots of patience to raise children in a loving, Christ-honoring manner. But frustration and anger should not be causes for discipline. Instead, parents should act in love, treating their children as Jesus treats the people he loves. This is vital to children's development and to their concept of the Lord." - Life Application Bible, p. 2079.

Discipline

"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Proverbs 13:24.

"It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. The greatest responsibility God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children. Lack of discipline puts a parent's love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Disciplining children averts long-range disaster. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives. Don't be afraid to discipline your children. It is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God's wisdom above all else?" - Life Application Bible, p. 1096.

"My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord: neither be weary of his correction: for whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Proverbs 3:11, 12.

"Correction is a vital part of discipline, and discipline means 'to teach and to train.' Discipline sounds negative to many people because some disciplinarians are not loving. God, however, is the source of all love. He doesn't punish us because he enjoys inflicting pain but because he is deeply concerned about our development. He knows that in order to become morally strong and good, we must learn the difference between right and wrong. His loving discipline enables us to do this." - Life Application Bible, p. 1082.

Instruction In The Faith Of Jesus

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.

"Timothy was one of the first second-generation Christians: he became a Christian not because an evangelist preached a powerful sermon, but because his mother and grandmother taught him the holy Scriptures when he was a small child (1:5). The evangelist's work is important, but the parent's work is just as important. At home and in church, we should realize that teaching small children is both an opportunity and a responsibility. Jesus wanted little children to come to him (Matthew 19:13-15). Like Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, do your part in leading them to Christ." - Life Application Bible, p. 2141.

Promise To Parents

"...I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:5.

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Life Application Bible Notes Used By Permission. Life Application Study Bible © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved. Life Application is a registered trademark of Tyndale Publishers, Inc.