October 10, 2008
Blessed
Generations
Praise
the LORD! Blessed is the man who
fears the LORD, Who delights
greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; the
generation of the upright will be blessed. Psalm 112:1-2
Train
up a child in the way he should
go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Being
a parent comes with a lot of responsibility. Our responsibilities change as our
children grow older. As babies, our children must be constantly watched, cared
for, and protected, because they are unable to care for themselves. As toddlers,
our children must be shadowed to scoop them from dangers, discipline
disobedience, and rejoice with them at their constant discoveries. As
school-aged students, our beloved children are sent out to practice what
they’ve been taught while also learning to obey other adult authority while
always returning for advice, praise, and many times comfort.
Adolescence
seems to be the biggest test for everyone involved! As our youngsters venture
out with the most independence so far, they begin to make their own choices with
a foundation set by their parents. Sometimes they make poor choices and suffer
the consequences, and sometimes they heed the warnings of the watchmen on the
wall—their parents! For us, the parents, we must take our job as watchmen
seriously knowing that for a few more years we are still their safety net.
We
must sound the alarm while knowing our children will make the decision as to
listen or not. We can no longer constantly watch, care for, and protect for they
are no longer babies. We can no longer shadow them everywhere they go for they
are no longer toddlers. We can no longer know there is always another adult
watching, and friends often replace us as comforters. But we can trust that if
we have raised them in a loving God-fearing home that we have laid a firm
foundation, and God is constantly watching, convicting, comforting, and
protecting them. We must consecrate them to a God who loves them more than we
do, pray for them always, and finally sound the warnings as we see them!
As
believers, we are all children of God. He has done the same for us. When we were
unable to care for ourselves, God was there. When we began to walk in the
knowledge we had, God was there to protect us from unseen dangers. When we grew
some more, He sent people in our lives to help train us. As we venture out on
our spiritual journey, He brings circumstances to test our hearts. He allows us
to choose. He allows us to suffer consequences and reap benefits of the choices
we make.
Are
we allowing God to train us?
What
is our foundation built upon?
Are
we a God-fearing people?
Do
we listen to the watchmen on the wall?
Your
walk with the Lord affects your family. Your life affects generations! Do you
want more for your children and your children’s children? More and more become
an obedient God-fearing child of God and delight greatly in His commandments!
Your
love for God moves Him to bless the generations after you!
Janet
Fairbrother