SAFEKEEPING

A new mother was bathing her infant while a small child who lived next door carefully watched. In the arms of the child was a small, soiled, well-worn doll. A leg was missing, the face was badly scratched, the hair was rumpled and the dress was worn and torn.

“How long have you had your baby?” asked the young neighbor.

“Four months,” came the proud reply.

“My,” replied the child. “You’ve sure kept her nice!”

Parents have a godly responsibility to keep their children “nice.” They are a gift from God and are to be raised in God-fearing, God-centered and God-honoring homes.

Christian parents, first and foremost are to live love – a love that reflects the sacrificial love of God that demonstrates at all times His care and compassion for children.

Christian parents must also be as available to their children as God is to His children. Even as we need God’s companionship, our children need us to be as near as He is when we call on Him in prayer.

Prayer:  We pray, Heavenly Father, for parents to honor You by honoring the children You give them by raising them with loving care and discipline. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:    Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4