Daniel 1: 3-9, 19-20
What do you see whenever you look at a child? Do you only see the physical features or do you see the potentials in them? It is important to have a picture of what they can become later in life. Do not just focus on the present because God also sees us in the light of what He has called us to be. Every child needs to be guided and trained so that they grow up to become responsible and productive adults (Proverbs 22:6).
In whatever field of endeavour they find themselves, they need to be leaders indeed. Every child needs to continue in the ways of the Lord as they grow up so they can be kind, honest, complete adults; not bitter, wicked and troubled people. Whenever God wants to change a nation, He allows children to be born. For example, Moses was born to deliver the children of Israel from slavery. As a parent or care giver, always remember that you are raising the children in your care for the future. Your service is not just for the present time.
Our main text tells us about four children of Israel, Daniel and three close companions, who were among many others taken as captives to Babylon. At the end of the first three years there, they were found to be ten times better than their peers, the magicians and astrologers in the kingdom. They did not lose focus while undergoing the king’s programme and at the end of their training, they were successful and could confidently stand before the king. The question to ask is that “could their upbringing have contributed to their success?” Success here is defined as having God’s presence with you as in the case of Jesus whom God publicly acknowledged at the River Jordan (Matthew 3:17) and Joseph who was said to have God’s presence with him even though he was a slave in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39: 2-3).
God wants us to excel like them and raise a Daniel generation. He wants us to raise children who will be able to stand before kings and serve in the corridors of power, while remaining undefiled by corruption, evil and worldly lusts.
We need to remember that our children will not only function in the church setting so they should be raised to combine the wisdom and power of God while making an impact in all spheres of life they will find themselves in future. Teach them the importance of hard work, obedience, honesty and honour so that they can handle the challenges of life which will come their way (Ephesians 6: 1-3). We must communicate sound values and faith to them instead of fear. Always remember that the children in our care are not ours, we are only care givers and vessels God is using to shape them for the future. God has a plan and an agenda for each child. Therefore, ask Him for the grace to help them become all that He wants them to be.
What do you see whenever you look at a child? Do you only see the physical features or do you see the potentials in them? It is important to have a picture of what they can become later in life. Do not just focus on the present because God also sees us in the light of what He has called us to be. Every child needs to be guided and trained so that they grow up to become responsible and productive adults (Proverbs 22:6).
In whatever field of endeavour they find themselves, they need to be leaders indeed. Every child needs to continue in the ways of the Lord as they grow up so they can be kind, honest, complete adults; not bitter, wicked and troubled people. Whenever God wants to change a nation, He allows children to be born. For example, Moses was born to deliver the children of Israel from slavery. As a parent or care giver, always remember that you are raising the children in your care for the future. Your service is not just for the present time.
Our main text tells us about four children of Israel, Daniel and three close companions, who were among many others taken as captives to Babylon. At the end of the first three years there, they were found to be ten times better than their peers, the magicians and astrologers in the kingdom. They did not lose focus while undergoing the king’s programme and at the end of their training, they were successful and could confidently stand before the king. The question to ask is that “could their upbringing have contributed to their success?” Success here is defined as having God’s presence with you as in the case of Jesus whom God publicly acknowledged at the River Jordan (Matthew 3:17) and Joseph who was said to have God’s presence with him even though he was a slave in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39: 2-3).
God wants us to excel like them and raise a Daniel generation. He wants us to raise children who will be able to stand before kings and serve in the corridors of power, while remaining undefiled by corruption, evil and worldly lusts.
We need to remember that our children will not only function in the church setting so they should be raised to combine the wisdom and power of God while making an impact in all spheres of life they will find themselves in future. Teach them the importance of hard work, obedience, honesty and honour so that they can handle the challenges of life which will come their way (Ephesians 6: 1-3). We must communicate sound values and faith to them instead of fear. Always remember that the children in our care are not ours, we are only care givers and vessels God is using to shape them for the future. God has a plan and an agenda for each child. Therefore, ask Him for the grace to help them become all that He wants them to be.
Wonderful piece.. God bless the author!
ReplyDelete