Children are a Reward; Treat Them That Way and as More

“³Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” — Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

Pretty clear in the verse above about children. They really are a reward to the work that you and your spouse are doing for and in the name of the LORD. Children are to be cherished as rewards are. They are to be cared for and cultivated. Children are to be brought up in the name and works of God, and it is my duty as their entrusted earthly father and mentor to do just that. It is my job “in bringing the children into the world and in raising them to be faithful members of God’s people.” (NIV commentary)

But it is more than just that. Yes, I am to care for them and cultivate them and grow them in the name and way of God. They also provide for me in the way that I provide for them.

“⁴Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. ⁵Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” — Psalm 127:4-5 (ESV)

I am more capable in my fight for God with brothers and sisters in Christ by my side. With children I have those brothers and sisters naturally there. I personally have two son’s and they are the arrows in my quiver giving me strength to go into battle. They are on my side and I can only have faith that they are fighting with God as well. I had the privilege of guiding them in their young lives and fought alongside them in their battles, and now I know that they will fight alongside me in mine.

I am not done with them. Bryson and Aarron are both rewards given to Lori and I from God and no matter where we are in time, they are still our rewards to be cultivated and cared for throughout. They are our arrows in a fight and we are the quiver for them to find refuge. We are stronger with them and as a family unit as we stand for Christ in the midst of this world. These children are our reward and more as we live for God.

What view of your children do you have? Are you seeing them as property to be owned and leveraged? What if you saw children as a reward to be cultivated and brought up in the name of God and allowed them to fight along side you for Christ?