Lesson 1.3- God's Design and Purpose for Children

God uses children in such interesting ways in our lives.  So often, we think as parents it is us who is shaping and molding our children.  But in reality, God really does use the children to shape and mold us.

Even with my 2 month daughter, there are days after crying and crying and more crying I just feel like I need to scream and cry myself.  I have had to learn so much about patience, God's provision and God's love for us through my daughter.

We are the children of God and I am sure there is times he looks at us complaining and fussing and just wonders what in the world is wrong with us.  Why don't we trust him when he has shown us time and time again his love for us.  I've had this same feeling when dealing with Peyton (though I'm sure to a much lesser extent).  Isn't it neat how God uses the little ones in our lives to teach us so much?  

He knows this plan though.  Take a look at the following verses when he talks about how he molds and shapes us as Christians:

2 Corinthians 7:1 
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Titus 2:11-12 
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age

Phillipians 2:12b-13 
... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Colossians 1:9-11 
... that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;

Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.


We must remember that we have two options:

1. We could let our sin tear down our families 
2. We can let our family tear down my sin

God hopes that we will choose the second one and let our children "test" our faults, so that we can grow in these areas of our lives.

"Our children are often one of the main means God uses to show us our sin and mold us more and more into His likeness."
Martha Peace and Stuart W. Scott- The Faithful Paren

"...not only are we to love the Lord,  but we are to raise children who will love God and obey His commandments.  In other words, having kids isn't about us- it's about HIM.  We are called to bear and raise children for the glory of God."
Gary Thomas- Sacred Parenting