God’s COWORKERS: NURTURING CHILDREN
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Impress [these commandments] on your children
Among the many vocational hats that my wife wears, she is an at-home parent to our three rapidly growing children. On any given day, she can be found coloring pictures with our youngest, helping our oldest with her homework, or finding productive ways for our middle child to burn off his energy. Along with that she also does loads of laundry, referees sibling conflicts, and chauffeurs the kids to all kinds of activities.
God is passionately concerned about the care and nurture of children. The words from our reading today were God’s instructions to his people Israel, urging them to be responsible to instruct their families in the knowledge and wisdom of his Word. This instruction was not to be limited to an hour or two a week. God said, “Talk about [these commands] when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Nurturing children in the faith is a way of life.
Many of us instruct and nurture children in our daily work. Teachers help children cultivate their minds. Parents and grandparents provide safe and happy homes in which children grow. Social workers often step into broken family situations to show love to wounded children. Jesus himself showed his heart for children by welcoming them and blessing them. What a joy to work with him in the nurture of children!
Father God, thank you for caring for us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Help us to reflect your love and care for children and youth in the work we do. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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