What Matters to God
By George Barna
The Bible makes it quite clear that children are uniquely special to God. If you examine what the Scriptures say about children, you will discover how precious they are to Him. In His yes, they represent a multitude of attributes and possibilities:
Children are a gift from God. He grants children to adults as a special sign of His love to us and as a means of personal fulfillment (see Deut. 7:13; Ps. 127:3)
Adults receive special blessing through their children. God provides supernatural benefits of many types to family and friends through children, and He matures us through the challenges of parenting (see Num. 5:28; Deut. 28:4, 11; Lam. 4:2)
Children are desirable. From the beginning of human history, God has instructed us to have children. In fact, the intentional decision of a married couple not to have children is viewed as a bad choice (see Gen. 9:7; Deut. 6:3; Luke 1:24-25).
Children need to be taught how to think and act in relation to God and His ways. One of the greatest adult challenges is passing on appropriate knowledge and behaviors to their progeny. We were created to be in relationship with Him, so our understanding of His nature and expectations is a significant undertaking (see Exod. 12:26, 37; Deut. 4:9-10; 6:1-7; 31:12-13; Ps. 78:4-6; Prov. 22:6).
To have a fruitful relationship with God, children must be taught to obey Him. Obedience is one of the central duties of humankind. Throughout Scripture, God exhorts His people to be raised to follow His commands and reap the benefits of such obedience. (see Prov. 8:32; 19:26; Jer. 2:30; 3:22; Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20).
Children are so valuable to God that He commands us to protect them. Parents are supposed to ensure the spiritual and physical security of their children (see 1 Sam. 20:42; Ezra 8:21).
God wants to have a genuine relationship with His children. Accordingly, He describes how children may enter His presence and enjoy His company (see Ps. 8:2; 34:11; 103:13; Mal. 2:15; Matt. 21:15; Mark 10:13-16).
God loves children enough to ensure that they receive discipline. Regardless of the manner in which that shaping is provided, it is a reflection of His passion for a child’s well-being (see Prov. 3:11-12; 13:24; 19:18; 29:15-17; Eph. 6:4).
God enjoys the nature and personality of children. The Scriptures specifically identify attributes such as sincerity, humility, naivete, vulnerability and simplicity as qualities found in children, and He treasure these characteristics (see Matt. 18:3; 19:14; Phil. 2:15).
These perspectives from God concerning the importance of children provide a clear and undeniable message to us: If children matter this much to God, then they should matter as much to us, too.
Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions: Why Children Should Be Your Church’s #1 Priority
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