INVEST IN CHILDREN
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward (Psalm 127:3).
Children are special gifts from God to man. They are reservoirs of greatness and innovations and every adult must contribute to the development of children. During the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth, some parents brought their children for Jesus to pray for them but his disciples rebuked those parents. On the contrary, Jesus directed the disciples to allow the children to come to Him (Matthew 19:13-14). Jesus underscored the importance of investing in children because “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. This means that children are partakers of the kingdom of heaven and as such adults need to invest in children. What are some of the investments we can make in children?
We need to pray and prophecy into the lives of children always so that their potentials can develop and bless the world. The words we speak into their lives are life and spirit (John 6:63). As we speak life and spirit into the lives, they grow normally, stay healthy and identify their God given potentials. This is the state where parents and guardians have to watch out and assist children to identify their God given potential(s) and develop these potential(s). Bible says that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born (Luke 1:15). This is possible in our day. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit unravels the potentials of children. Let us pray often for children and they will become great people to bless the world.
Secondly, parents, guardians and other adults have to mentor children. Parents and guardians are the first people children look up to in the home. Children learn from parents and guardians through observations and practices. Parents must ensure that they do the ‘ideal things’ guided by the word of God so that as children learn directly and/or indirectly, they develop in the right direction. In spite of busy schedules, parents and guardians must make time for their children to know what is on their mind especially when they start schooling. In school, they may be exposed to both positive and negative advice because of peer pressure. Build a good relationship with your children and they will always be ready to share their ‘private’ issues with you. Always encourage your children to speak out on issues instead of keeping issues within. As mentors, parents, guardians and other adults must guide children in their socializing, help children to develop the winning mindset and take up leadership roles in church and in school.
Finally, parents, guardians and other adults must invest in children financially. For the education of your children- buy the recommended school materials and get good schools for children to attend. Some parents and guardians may not have adequate financial means to take care of their children but that does not mean that these parents and guardians have to neglect their children. With strong will power to invest in your children, the means will always come! Go ahead when it becomes necessary to sell some of your possessions in order to invest in children because it is worth the sacrifice.
