Middle America's Worldview

I have to say, I really feel sorry for the kids of our generation. They really have it tough in some areas. On one of the end of the spectrum, they are supposed to have the maturity to have abortions, sex, ECT. with out parental knowledge (see Iowa supreme court, and teen sex). Yet, on the other side of the spectrum, they are ignored when attempting to be mature (see child mom dies when calling 911 and kids call as drunk bus driver hits car).

There should not be any argument the ultimate one responsible for children lies in their own parents. But let's face it, not everyone is a great candidate to be a parent. Just because you have kids, doesn't mean it makes you a good parent.

I ran across 12 things a parent should do for their child and found it interesting.


1. To know Christ as Savior, early in life. Psalms 65:1, 1 Timothy 3:15
2. Have a hatred for sin. Psalms 97:10
3. Will be caught when guilty. Psalms 119:71
4. Protected from evil in each area-spiritual, emotional, physical. John 17:15
5. Have responsible attitude in inter-personal relationships. Daniel 6:3
6. Respect for those in authority. Romans 13:1
7. Desire right kind of friends and protected from the wrong friends. Proverbs 1:10-11
8. Kept from wrong spouse and saved for the right one. 1 Corinthians 1: 14-17
9. Will be kept pure until after marriage and the same for who they marry. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
10. Totally submit to God and actively resist Satan. James 4:7
11. Single-hearted sold out to Jesus. Romans 12:1-2
12. Hedged in so they cannot find a way to wrong people and places. Hosea 2:6


I did a little research, biblically, and found some verses referring to children. I am posting them with my comments in italics.

Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
This is bound to be the most known. What may not be known is a child moral values are already set by the age of 9. This is why it is imperative to teach right and wrong at such an early age. In addition, it is also why so many groups are thrusting their own ideology on children at such an early age.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Notice it states, "in the Lord". I have seen and heard some parents use this verse, as well as the commandment against their kids. I have always thought it important for kids to obey their parents. There are many biblical verses referring to kids obeying and honoring their parents. But on the other side of this coin, the parents should bring them up with righteousness, teaching and knowing Gods' laws. We see this in verse 4.

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As parents, we are suppose to teach, nurture, provide encouragement, and good quality skills for them.

Psalm 127:3-5 . Lo! children are the heritage of Jehovah: the fruit of the womb is the reward which he bestows. As arrows in, the hand of a strong man so are the children of youth. Blessed is the man who shall have filled his quiver with them; for they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

God provides children to us as a heritage and rewards. There are a couple of things to note in the above passages. One, heritage is defined as Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition. Children are provided by God, Himself. Parents are bestowed the inheritance and responsibility to pass on our knowledge and skills. Second, the reference to fruit of the womb is the reward, makes reference to God providing children as a blessing. I at times find this difficult to see, when a 21 year old single might have 4 kids and pregnant again.

2 Corinthians 12:14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.NIV
This one actually threw me. Although in context the apostle is speaking to the church he is about to visit. But it is interesting he notes children should not have to save up for their parents; rather again it's the parents responsibility to the children.

Throughout the bible there is recurring themes regarding children.
1) They are viewed as blessings and gifts from God.
2) It is the responsibility of the parents to raise them, providing them with the knowledge of God and teaching them accordingly.

Looking at what is thrown at kids in today's culture, one should not be surprised seeing the outcome in many of the youths. Many kids today are pushed into adult roles way too young, without the proper guidance. For me, I simply need to pray more for my own as well as all of them in today's time.