What Our Children Teach Us

April, 2002

by: Brock Bolde

Most parents that I know, myself included, have no problem when it comes to telling our children what to do. Many of us find ourselves constantly on the giving end of instruction, very rarely on the receiving end. And while that is very much in line with the biblical mandate to parents (Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4), it does not mean that our children have nothing to teach us.

It is as parents that you and I have the opportunity to better grasp the relationship that exists between us and our Heavenly Father because we see it so clearly demonstrated in our relationships with our children. Consider the following:

Unconditional Love

The minute that each of my children were born, I was hooked. I was head over heels in love with them and there was nothing that they could do about it. Sure they have disappointed me, sure they have saddened me, sure they have upset me — but they have never lost my love, because my love is not dependent on what they do. I loved them from the get–go. Before they ever curiously gazed at me, before they ever flashed me a smile, before they ever said “Daddy.” And there is nothing that they could ever do to change the fact that I love them. So it is with God and us (John 3:16, Romans 8:38-39, 1 John 4:9-10).

Foolishness of Sin

As parents, you and I have seen our children make some pretty foolish choices. Oftentimes, they knew these choices were wrong and yet they did them anyway. So it is with God and us (Romans 3:23, Psalm 107:10-11). You and I, like our children, make foolish and sinful choices. How foolish those choices must be to God, especially since He has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to aide us.

Dependence/Trust

This is the last component we will look at, although there are countless other similarities that we could draw upon. When our children first come into the world, they are so dependent on us. They rely on us for everything and are unable to care and watch over themselves. So it is with God and us (Matthew 7:11, James 1:17, 1 Peter 5:6-7).

You and I are God's children (John 1:12, Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1). As children, we need to continue to grow and mature. Take some time this week to reflect on your relationship with our Heavenly Father. Is there any “childish” behavior in you? If so, confess it and find refuge in the loving arms of our Perfect Father.