As we enter into the months of May and June we think of the importance of our parents in our lives. We feel blessed to have them as our role models and protectors. Even those that did not have both parents in their lives or not always a good role model, they did serve God’s purpose in helping to bring their children up in the world. Also many times God uses a friend’s parent and grandparents to give good advice and love.

In 1 Samuel chapter 1 we read of Hannah who wanted a child very much, but could not have one. She even said she would give her child back to the Lord. Eli the priest asked her why she was so sad. When he heard of her plight we read in verse 17 “Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” She did have a child called Samuel and at a very early age she gave him to Eli to serve the Lord. That took great love and courage to give back a child that she had waited for and dearly loved.

We also think of Joseph and Mary and the great miracle of the birth and life of Jesus. The early years of the various visitors who came to see Jesus and then the years of fleeing those that would harm their Son. Then the years of teaching and showing Jesus a trade. All those years of knowing who Jesus really was, but it was not until He was in His thirties that it was known by others. Then the day came when Jesus was led to the cross to be separated from Mary until she died and entered Heaven to see Him once again.

The Bible not only is filled with the love of parents and what they did for their children, but it also tells of our responsibility to bring them up in the correct way. We are charged to bring our children up in the “fear of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:1-4 gives advice to both the parents and the children. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may go well with you and you may live long on the earth. And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in training and admonition of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 4:9 we read how Moses tells the people to teach the children of God’s great acts. To remind them of God’s protection and great works done on their behalf.

As parents, we have a great responsibility to teach our children Godly truths and how to live a life pleasing to God. We are also to keep them from harm and from getting involved in things that would be detrimental to their life. God has placed a great load on us, but it is also a great joy. A great joy as we see our children grow and develop into young men and women. To be sure there are heartaches along the way also, but also a Godly sense of pride on how He has led us in the teaching of our children. Also, it does not stop when they leave our home. The men of Israel were instructed to always give instruction to their children, even once they were grown.

I wish you all a wonderful Mother’s Day and in June a wonderful Father’s Day. It is my prayer that we all strive to be the best parents to our children and always rely on the Lord to guide us in that endeavor.

Dale Heminger

Pastoral Shepherding Assistant