... on children

As most of you know, I love children. I guess that's why I have six!

As a father of six, and a homeschooling Dad, and a former Christian school teacher ... I've spent a lot of time chewing on the cultural questions surrounding children. Rather than wax philosophical, let me make a few observations...

Whether you're involved in children's ministry in your local church, a teacher in the school system, or a concerned parent (or all of the above!), I hope you'll think through these propositions.

A) Children are people, (albeit little ones)!

B) Children are a tremendous blessing. Did you know that for all the talk we do about the "LORD's blessings", there are very few specific things in Scripture that are called a "blessing"? Surely the LORD can choose to bless us in many, many ways. But I think it's telling that one the short list of Biblical "blessings" one finds "children".

C) The best way to influence is children is through their parents, not the other way around. How many churches put tons of resources into "children's ministry" in an effort to "reach the parents"? That's backward thinking, folks.

D) It is the responsibility of the parents to see to it that their children are raised, educated, and trained in a way that honours the LORD. It's not the job of the state, the church, the community, or the school. All these groups can help, but they can't be the primary party. If you choose to send your children to a public school, that does not exonerate you from the responsibility to see to their education. Stay intimately involved in the school and their education.

E) It is in the best interest of children to have one mother and one father, and to spend vast amounts of time with both. I don't live in a bubble - I know this might seem far-fetched in today's landscape. Nor do I want to condemn those who've made mistakes in the past and are dealing with the consequences in an honest and God-honouring way. But the fact remains that one mother and one father is the best and Biblical model. And no amount of "quality time" can fill in for lack of "quantity time".

F) Children come first. Mothers, your children need you more than you need new clothes. Fathers, your children need you more than you need the bowling league. If you can do both (new clothes/bowling league and provide for the needs of your children), praise the LORD! If you must choose, always choose the children.

G) College is over-rated. [Take a deep breath and hear me out; I know this is a hot button... okay, ready to proceed? Good.] First, the quality of education in the collegiate system today is virtually a farce compared to what it once was. Second, there are much less expensive options for advanced education. Third, who says all your children must go to college? Unless you have a clear sense of God's purpose for their adult life and that purpose requires college, why send them just because everyone else does?

H) Children are sinners, just like the rest of us. Don't be surprised when little Johnny verbally torments little Suzy... or worse! Very little of children's behaviour should shock us. In fact, if we display that shock they often feed upon it.

I) Children are expensive, but not in the way you think. Really, do families need three cars, cable TV, vacations in Florida, brand-name clothes, restaurant meals, Playstation, etc... ? I was watching HGTV the other day (I admit it, I watch Home and Garden Television on occasion!), and a married couple with two small children declared that they were "bursting at the seams" in their 3,000+ square-foot home! They ended up buying a place in the neighborhood of 5,000 sq.ft. Are you kidding me?! "Bursting at the seams"?! If you are in a position where you can afford to do that and still make the children come first, praise God! But according to the current mortgage/credit crisis America is in, most people that do so can't really afford it. Priorities, folks - it's a question of priorities. Children are expensive ... in time and energy. They need not be near the financial expense our culture has made them out to be.

J) We can learn a lot from children. I'm thinking specifically of the nature of faith. What does it mean to have "child-like faith"? Spend time around your children and you'll see first-hand.

That's enough of my random babbling. Did I miss anything you want to add? Do you disagree with me on some point(s)? I welcome you thoughts.

Hatushili