Children can be the greatest source of joy and the greatest source of pain.What incredible joy is felt with the birth of a child or a grandchild, to watch them grow up and mature. One of my major life goals is to see my children love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. So, when they demonstrate genuine spiritual interest, my heart is so encouraged.
Children are one of the greatest sources of joy, yet, nothing hurts like seeing children make bad decisions. Thinking back over my years as a pastor, I think the people in the greatest pain are those whose children make bad choices. I think of one couple, their son’s choices were so bad that he ended up in prison. They were left to raise their grandchildren in their retirement years.
Children can be the greatest source of joy and the greatest source of pain.
The reality of those extremes should motivate us to build Christ centered homes. Children are a gift from God and no matter their age, we should do everything possible to point them to Christ. Psalm 127 begins,
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves.(Ps 127:1-2).”
