The weight of parenting can feel immense. We worry about grades, friendships, and safety. But Scripture invites us into a far grander vision: we are not owners, but stewards of the children God has entrusted to us.
The psalmist declares a truth that frames every life:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV)
Your child was known and purposefully designed by God before their first breath. Our job is not to assign them a purpose, but to help uncover the one God has already written on their heart. We see this in the calling of Jeremiah:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)
So, how do we, as steward parents, collaborate with God?
- Nurture Their Unique Design: Pay attention. What makes their eyes light up? Are they naturally compassionate, drawn to music, or incessantly curious? These are clues.
“Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, AMP).
This isn’t just about discipline; it’s about discerning their “bent” or God-given inclination.
- Equip Them with Godly Wisdom: Education is vital, but it’s a tool for the mission, not the mission itself. Like Moses, who was
“learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22, NKJV),
knowledge becomes powerful when directed by God. Pray that they are
“rooted and built up in [Christ], strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:7, NIV).
- Point Them to the Ultimate Purpose: Our primary goal is not their temporal happiness, but their eternal impact for the Kingdom. Teach them that their greatest calling is to
“love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39, NIV).
Every other purpose flows from this.
Remember, they are His.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3, NIV).
We have the sacred honor of stewarding this heritage, not for our own glory, but for His.
Reflection & Conversation 💬
This journey of stewardship is a constant balancing act. It’s about weaving together firm boundaries with boundless grace, much like our Heavenly Father does with us.
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” (Hebrews 12:5-6, NIV).
I’d also love to hear from you! Drop a comment below:
What’s one area of parenting where you’ve struggled with balancing discipline and love?
Is it setting screen time limits? Handling sibling conflicts? Enforcing homework? Share your experience—your story might be the encouragement another parent needs today.
Remain Ever Blessed.
