They always say that time goes faster and faster as you get older. They always say that we should enjoy our children while they are small because the time goes by very fast and it is gone before you know it. I never really understood those statements until I had my own children, and I started getting older.
My wife and I did not start our family until we were in our 30s. And now (a few years later — ha-ha) our son is 15 and our daughter is 13. Both of our children are in high school now and I just think – WOW!
As a parent, I want the best for my children. I want them to do well in school and get an education. I want them to be safe from all the bad and evil things that are in the world today. BUT, I do not want to be their God and make all of their life’s decisions for them. I want them to learn and grow and be able to take care of themselves so, when mom and dad are not around, they will know how to make wise decisions and do the right thing.
Matthew 7:9-11
9 “You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
NLT
As my wife and I began to raise our children, it was then that I began to realize how much God truly loves us. The very same way that we love our own children is the same way that God loves His children. God want the very best for us. God wants us to do well and learn as we go through life, and get educated so we will make the right decisions. God wants to protect us from the bad and evil things in this world. The Bible teaches us that safety is not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.
18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
NLT
The same way we pray and hope that our children listen to us and make the right decisions when opportunities come is the same way that God feels about us. God wants us to listen to Him and make the right decisions when the opportunities come. The best ways I have found to learn from God is by reading your Bible, praying and going to church. There are also benefits for our children to obey their parents and do what they are told to do. We have benefits of obeying God and by doing what He has asked us to do. As we pray for our children to be happy, healthy and holy, let’s also pray for ourselves as well.
Tony Guadagnino is a pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church.