Can you comment on rearing children?
Introduction. It is good that we have interest in the family. When two people consider marriage, they should reflect soberly on having children and all the associated responsibilities of raising them.
Children are a blessing from God. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord...," wrote one of the Psalmists (Ps. 127: 3). "Happy is the man," he continues, "that hath his quiver full of them..." (vs. 5). Along with the blessing of children, though, there is great responsibility.
Some responsibilities enjoined on those who bring children into this world. Two childish teenagers who have reproductive capabilities can produce a baby, but it takes responsible people to meet the challenges of parenthood. In the first place, a child deserves to have two parents who have committed themselves to one another in marriage (Heb. 13: 4). The mother is to be a "keeper at home" and the father the provider (Tit. 2: 5; 1 Tim. 5: 8). There certainly can be the "intermingling" of responsibilities (cf. Prov. 31: 10-31). Children have the right to a two parent family atmosphere of love, structure, and order (Eph. 5: 22 - 6: 4). It is within such an atmosphere that children initially learn by example what it means to be a faithful husband and wife, obedience to authority, consequences of disobedience, and other critical life lessons. Parents have the serious duty of providing such an environment!
Spiritual responsibilities of parenthood. There is more to producing and having children than the material requirements. Children must be provided training which can build character. "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6: 4). True moral awareness involves an awareness of and respect for God. Man is not a glorified animal; he is created in the image of his God (Gen. 1: 26). As such, man has capabilities and moral responsibilities. Parents must teach their children of their real origin, purpose, and destiny (Eccl. 12: 13).
Children are a blessing from God. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord...," wrote one of the Psalmists (Ps. 127: 3). "Happy is the man," he continues, "that hath his quiver full of them..." (vs. 5). Along with the blessing of children, though, there is great responsibility.
Some responsibilities enjoined on those who bring children into this world. Two childish teenagers who have reproductive capabilities can produce a baby, but it takes responsible people to meet the challenges of parenthood. In the first place, a child deserves to have two parents who have committed themselves to one another in marriage (Heb. 13: 4). The mother is to be a "keeper at home" and the father the provider (Tit. 2: 5; 1 Tim. 5: 8). There certainly can be the "intermingling" of responsibilities (cf. Prov. 31: 10-31). Children have the right to a two parent family atmosphere of love, structure, and order (Eph. 5: 22 - 6: 4). It is within such an atmosphere that children initially learn by example what it means to be a faithful husband and wife, obedience to authority, consequences of disobedience, and other critical life lessons. Parents have the serious duty of providing such an environment!
Spiritual responsibilities of parenthood. There is more to producing and having children than the material requirements. Children must be provided training which can build character. "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6: 4). True moral awareness involves an awareness of and respect for God. Man is not a glorified animal; he is created in the image of his God (Gen. 1: 26). As such, man has capabilities and moral responsibilities. Parents must teach their children of their real origin, purpose, and destiny (Eccl. 12: 13).