From the very beginning of God’s Word, we see that children are a gift from God, precious and beloved. In Psalm 127:3, it says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This truth is echoed throughout the Scriptures. Children are not only a blessing but a responsibility that God entrusts to parents and the community.
God’s plan for children is not just for their physical care, but for their spiritual growth. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This means that teaching children is a lifelong commitment that requires intentionality. The Word of God teaches us that children are to be nurtured in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs His people, saying, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.” This shows that the teaching of God’s truth is not just confined to formal moments like church services, but it is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Jesus Himself placed a high value on children. In Matthew 18:3, He says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This statement highlights the purity, humility, and receptiveness of children, qualities that God desires in all believers. It also emphasizes that children are a vital part of God’s kingdom, and they should be treated with dignity and respect. When people tried to keep children away from Jesus, He rebuked them, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus not only welcomed children but made it clear that they have a special place in God’s heart.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are prophetic words that point to the importance of raising children in the knowledge of God. In Isaiah 54:13, it says, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” This is a promise of the future, when God’s children will experience His peace through the teaching of His Word. In the book of Joel, we see a similar promise in Joel 2:28, where God declares, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” God’s heart is that children, too, would be filled with His Spirit, receive revelation, and become active participants in His kingdom work.
The prophet Malachi spoke of a time when the hearts of the fathers would be turned toward their children and the hearts of the children toward their fathers (Malachi 4:6). This prophecy speaks to the restoration of relationships and the importance of parental guidance in the shaping of a child’s life. Fathers and mothers are called to be the primary teachers and caretakers of their children, but this also involves guiding them in spiritual matters. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul writes, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The discipline and instruction are not just rules and regulations; they are rooted in the love and wisdom of God. Fathers and mothers are to create an environment where children feel safe to grow, learn, and flourish spiritually.
The Lord also speaks to the community’s role in nurturing children. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul writes of Timothy, “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Timothy’s upbringing was one of the community teaching him God’s Word from a young age. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, played a vital role in his faith development. This is a reminder that the responsibility of teaching children is not solely the parents’ duty but is shared by the entire body of believers.
In the New Jerusalem, when God’s kingdom is fully realized, the promise of Isaiah 65:23 will come to pass: “They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them.” In that perfect kingdom, children will live in peace and security, fully known and loved by God. Until then, parents and the church are called to be faithful in their task of teaching, nurturing, and protecting children.
God’s Word also warns against causing children to stumble. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus says, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” This serious warning underlines the importance of living in such a way that children are not led astray. Those who have been entrusted with children’s care must lead by example, living out the values of the kingdom of God.
The ultimate purpose of teaching children and raising them in the ways of the Lord is not just for their success in this life, but for their eternal well-being. Jesus, in His love, gave us the greatest example of how to care for children, saying in Mark 10:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” As we pour into the lives of children, we are not just shaping their present, but we are preparing them for eternity. And so, we are called to teach them the love of God, the truth of His Word, and the ways of His kingdom.
As parents, teachers, and members of the body of Christ, we are entrusted with a sacred task. We must love and care for children with patience, grace, and diligence, reflecting the heart of our heavenly Father who delights in His children. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we fulfill this calling, nurturing children in the fear of the Lord and pointing them to the hope of the gospel.
From the outset, God’s Word reveals the sacredness of children, not only as gifts from Him but also as those whom He calls us to love, teach, and protect. In Psalm 127:3, it says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This foundational truth carries with it a divine responsibility. Children are entrusted to us, and in that trust, God invites us to shape their lives, not merely in terms of worldly success, but with eternal significance. The way we care for children, whether as parents, extended family, or a whole community, must reflect this sacred calling.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the responsibility to teach children is not left to chance. It is a deliberate action, woven into the fabric of everyday life. The passage commands, “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.” The Hebrew term for “diligently” here, shanan, conveys the sense of sharpening or whetting, like the precision of a well-sharpened knife. This is how carefully we are to impart God’s truth to our children. It’s not just a matter of a Sunday lesson or a passing prayer at bedtime; it’s about embedding His Word in the very rhythms of our daily lives.
The Bible consistently points to the fact that children are not only to be taught moral behavior, but to be nurtured in the knowledge of God and His ways. Proverbs 22:6 encapsulates this: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The way a child is “trained” speaks not only to instruction but to shaping their very character, guiding them to understand the world from a God-centered perspective. This training is not confined to academic knowledge but extends to the development of spiritual wisdom, moral integrity, and a heart that seeks God’s will.
This is why the Scriptures encourage parents and communities alike to be intentional about investing in the spiritual growth of children. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul reminds Timothy that from childhood, he had been acquainted with the sacred Scriptures, which make one “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s words here are a clear reminder that a child’s spiritual foundation is the most critical investment we can make. A solid understanding of Scripture, from an early age, becomes the lens through which children come to see the world, and the means by which they encounter Christ. The seeds of faith that are planted in their hearts will bear fruit, not just in the here and now, but for eternity.
Jesus, in His earthly ministry, revealed His deep love and respect for children, making them an important part of His kingdom. When the disciples tried to prevent children from coming to Him, He rebuked them, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). This statement emphasizes that children, in their humility and trust, embody the very qualities that are required for entrance into the kingdom of God. There is a divine pattern we are to follow: just as Jesus received and welcomed children, so we are called to welcome them into the truth and love of God.
This idea is further expanded in the prophetic books of the Old Testament, where children are seen as central to God’s unfolding plan. Isaiah 54:13 promises, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” While this promise speaks to a future time when God’s kingdom will fully manifest, it also has a present-day application. The peace of our children—true peace that surpasses understanding—comes from knowing and being taught by the Lord. The role of parents and the church, therefore, is to ensure that this teaching is continuous and thorough, providing a foundation that fosters not just knowledge but peace and security in Christ.
Moreover, the book of Joel points to a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out on all people, including children: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28). This prophecy is not just about the future; it reveals that children have a role to play in God’s work on earth. The fullness of God’s Spirit is not restricted by age, and we are called to prepare children to receive the fullness of God’s power and calling. They, too, will be used by God to speak His truth, to lead, and to impact the world for His glory. This is why we must raise them with a vision of God’s greatness and a sense of their purpose within His kingdom.
The responsibility of nurturing children, however, is not solely a familial one; it is a community responsibility. The church, as the family of God, shares in this calling. In Malachi 4:6, we see a promise of reconciliation where “he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” This prophetic vision points not only to the restoration of individual families but also to the unity of the body of Christ. Fathers and mothers, as well as the broader church community, are called to reflect the heart of God, guiding children in His ways. There is a shared responsibility to help children understand the truths of Scripture, the love of God, and the call to discipleship.
It is important to remember that children are fragile, spiritually and emotionally. This is why Jesus warned against leading them astray. He said in Matthew 18:6, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” The gravity of this warning cannot be overstated. Children are impressionable, and they are constantly watching and learning from the adults around them. Our lives must be examples of godliness, integrity, and love, so that we do not cause them to stumble in their faith.
Ultimately, the goal of raising children is not merely to ensure their temporal happiness or success, but to guide them toward their eternal destiny. Proverbs 22:6 assures us that if we train up a child in the way they should go, they will not depart from it when they are old. This promise is not just about behavior but about the lasting impact of a life rooted in God’s Word. The love we show children, the lessons we teach, and the prayers we offer have eternal significance.
In the end, our task is to reflect God’s love in the way we care for children. This is a high calling, one that requires patience, wisdom, and humility. As we partner with God in nurturing the next generation, we are not just shaping them for a successful life on earth; we are preparing them to know God, to love Him, and to serve Him for eternity.