Tim Morrow

Children are a challenge. Children are expensive to raise. They cause you lack of sleep, time away from your “hobbies,” time away from your “recreation.” They are noisy and often messy. They keep you busy taking them here and there. 

Yes, raising three children I experienced this all firsthand. I was once again reminded of these things this week when I watched my two grandkids for a day. Wow! I certainly appreciate my daughter’s stamina day in and day out. My grandkids are full of energy for sure!

I want to remind you of a greater “fact” about children. Scripture tells us, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward,” Psalm 127:3. 

It was Jesus who said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God,” Mark 10:14. 

Children are one of the greatest blessings God gives a couple. They are our heritage. They are also our responsibility to raise.  

“Train up a child in the way he should go …” Proverbs 22:6.

We live in a culture that promotes self-centeredness, personal autonomy and individualism. However, raising a child lovingly and correctly is one of the most selfless, self-sacrificing things a person can do. We are literally raising the next generation. I love seeing all the families on a Sunday morning walking into church with their kids. I have said many times that a crying baby in a church service, “sounds like life.”

My friend, Pastor Dave Seratt, used to say in church “children are a blessing not a bother.” Let us, as the church of the Lord Jesus, celebrate children and families in our churches. Let us encourage, support and bless our parents as they raise their children day in and day out. And let us remember that if the Lord grants you children (or grandchildren), it is one of the greatest responsibilities a family could ever receive … but a blessed responsibility all the same. 

Blessings! 

(Tim Morrow is the pastor of New Life Church in Powell.)