Good Christian Stewardship of Our Children
As Christian parents, we bear a profound responsibility towards the children entrusted to us by God. This stewardship is rooted in the understanding that children are gifts from the Lord, as expressed in Psalm 127:3-5, which states,
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
Recognising this divine ownership shifts our perspective from control to stewardship, allowing us to partner with God in their growth and development.
Letting Go of Control
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting is learning to let go. This act of relinquishing control is crucial for both our well-being and that of our children. As stewards, we must trust that God is actively involved in their lives and desires to transform them in ways we might not fully comprehend. Our role is to guide and support them while allowing God to work in their hearts. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us,
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Letting go does not mean abandoning our responsibilities. Instead, it means recognizing our limitations and trusting God’s sovereignty. By releasing our grip, we create space for our children to explore their identities, develop their faith, and ultimately grow into the individuals God created them to be. This can be difficult, especially when their choices diverge from what we envisioned. However, true stewardship involves a commitment to love and support our children unconditionally, even when they make decisions that challenge us, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:7, which tells us that love
"bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The Meaning of Stewardship
Stewardship in parenting involves several key components:
Ambassadors of God: We are called to demonstrate God’s love to our children. 2 Corinthians 5:20 states,
"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
This includes teaching them about faith, instilling values, and leading them in a way that points them toward a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father.
Training and Instruction: Scripture emphasises the importance of teaching children. Ephesians 6:4 encourages parents to
"bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
This responsibility involves actively engaging with our children about their faith and guiding them in their spiritual journey.
Recognising Their Identity: Each child is uniquely created in the image of God, as Genesis 1:27 tells us,
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Children must explore their identity within that framework. As parents, we should provide a safe environment for them to ask questions, express doubts, and discover who they are in Christ. This exploration is vital for their personal and spiritual development.
Empowering Independence: Part of good stewardship is allowing children to make their own choices. While we can guide them, we must also respect their autonomy as they grow. This empowerment fosters their confidence and prepares them for adulthood, allowing them to take ownership of their faith and decisions, as captured in Proverbs 22:6,
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Encouraging Identity Exploration
Encouraging our children to explore their identity is crucial in a world that often imposes external definitions of self. Our role is not to mould them into our image but to help them understand their intrinsic value as children of God. When children feel secure in their identity, they are more likely to pursue their passions and gifts, leading to a fuller life that glorifies God. Psalm 139:14 affirms this by stating,
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
We should celebrate their uniqueness and support their journeys, even when those paths may differ from our expectations.
Conclusion
In summary, good Christian stewardship of our children involves a delicate balance of guidance and freedom. By letting go of control, we allow God to work in their lives, transforming them into His masterpieces. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us,
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
As stewards, we are called to love, instruct, and empower our children to explore their identities fully. Embracing this responsibility with grace and faith will lead to a rich and fulfilling relationship with our children, rooted in God’s love and purpose.
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