Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/92

Contributor - Linda Blaak

Title - Our Children - Our Treasure

Topic - Children

When we were expecting our third child, people often looked at us in disbelief We received many stares while we were in the malls, towing along with us two active children, aged 4 and 2 years old. Even in our church I was asked questions like, "Did you want this one?" or "How many are you planning on having?" - as if having a large family (by today's standard) was usually something to be avoided! I was given the impression in this society of career-oriented couples that the idea of having one child was often expected, two children, accepted, but three or more children, rejected.

It seems that often children are viewed as an intrusion into our busy and fulfilling lives. We take the necessary time off from work but pride ourselves on working up to the due date or going back to work in six or eight weeks after giving birth. I have heard mothers confess they couldn't wait to get their children into school so they could concentrate on their careers or just have time. for themselves. While I recognize the need today for two-income families, and also the need for mothers to get a "break" now and then from their normal every-day routine, my concern is the way we view children in our lives.

The Bible often reminds us that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127: 3)5) and that God places great value on them. God also gives parents the privilege and responsibility of teaching them in the ways of the Lord (Dent. 4:9, 6:7).

When we baptize our children we promise to teach them to love God, and to help them grow in His knowledge and wisdom. When we look at children as gifts from God, and take to heart God's command to "teach them...... then we not only do our best at home by helping them see and know Jesus through Bible reading and modeling the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives, but we will gladly take advantage of what our churches can offer through Sunday School and Youth Groups.

Psalm 145:5 says "One generation shall praise thy works to another." What message are we giving our children that they will pass on to their children? When I see sporadic attendance in Sunday School, half-hearted attendance in youth groups and even the difficulty in finding willing, committed adults to teach them and spend time with them, I wonder what impression our children are getting from the church (and of God) that they are a bother and nuisance, or treasures, gifts from God'?

I pray that we may take another look at the children God has blessed us with and thank Him for entrusting us with their lives.

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