“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son…. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:13-15).
When God gives you a child, he entrusts you with the most important responsibility any person can have. He will hold you accountable for how you raise that baby. A baby is a human being, not a toy. Before you have a baby, it is important to think about the responsibility that bringing a child into the world entails. God expects you to do your very best to raise this little person to fulfill all of his or her potential. Children require so much physical, emotional, mental and spiritual care.
Physical needs are the most obvious ones. Kids need healthy food, disciplined times of rest, and medical care. However, you also need to meet the emotional needs of the child—he or she must feel loved, understood and affirmed.
Children should be challenged with the best education you are able to give. Education should fit the person, whether university-bound or technical-focused. Provide an education that will prepare your child to one day take care of a family’s needs.
Finally, a child requires spiritual care. It is your job to teach God’s laws to your children and your grandchildren.
God expects you to do your very best. He wants you to succeed. Ask Him for help. He will show you all you need to know and do.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2005 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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