As parents, our primary responsibility is to nurture our children’s hearts, helping them grow spiritually and bear fruit for God’s kingdom. Here are some of the phases we go through, in farming terms.
1. Plow
I think plowing is by far the hardest task in farming, but it is also the most important. It is where the ground is prepared for sowing. In our children, this phase includes teaching them the basics and preparing their hearts to grow in a relationship with God. This also includes training, disciplining and teaching our kids to differentiate between right and wrong.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)
2. Sow
Sowing is when the seed is planted in the plowed field. In our children, the seed represents the word of God. As parents, we have to ensure that our children are exposed to the Bible and the values it recommends. Sowing God’s word in our children’s hearts is simply teaching them the word of God.
“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:19)
3. Water
After the seed is sown, we cannot expect a decent harvest unless the crops are watered. Shower your children with your prayers. Pray for them, pray that the seed you have sown will some day bear good fruit.
4. Wait
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (I Corinthians 3:6)
There is only so much we can do to lead our children to Christ. We cannot rush them into a relationship with God. We can prepare their hearts, sow the seed of the gospel and pray for them. But it is up to God to speak to their hearts and reveal Himself to them. And so, we keep watering and we wait, until God makes them ripe enough for harvest.
5. Reap
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
We will reap a harvest – that is God’s promise to us. The little things we’re doing to bring our children closer to God do matter. In due time we will reap a harvest – if we remain faithful and do not give up.
So, let us not become weary in our mothering. Yes, it is hard and not always recognized. But one day, all our hard work will bear fruit. Do not give up – our God has promised us a harvest. God has handpicked our children to bear fruit for His kingdom in this generation. Let us hold on to the vision He has for our children. Stay strong and mother on!
Which phase are you currently experiencing with your children?
Photo Credit: jayneandd
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