Take Note
Parenting is one of the clearest opportunities God gives us to reflect His character in the world. Long before sin entered creation, God commanded humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), entrusting men and women with the privilege of raising future image bearers. In many ways, parenting invites us to teach, provide, discipline, forgive, and sacrifice in ways that point our children toward their heavenly Father.
Yet parenting also reminds us of our limits. We cannot change hearts, guarantee faith, or protect our children from every hardship. As parents, grandparents, mentors, and members of Christ's church, we are called to faithful stewardship, while recognizing that only God is sovereign. The joys and struggles of raising the next generation awaken within us a longing for the kingdom that is to come.
In this devotional from our *Kingdom Commodities* series, we explore how parenting reflects both God's design for humanity and our deep need for Him.
Key passages:
• Genesis 1:27–28
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…'"
• Deuteronomy 6:5–7
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might… You shall teach them diligently to your children…"
• Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
• Psalm 78:4
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…"
Questions for reflection:
• Are my children seeing my love for God?
• Am I pursuing success in this world more than citizenship in the kingdom to come?
• Who has God entrusted to my care and discipleship?
• How can I reflect God's patience, mercy, and faithfulness this week?
Whether you are actively raising children, enjoying grandchildren, or investing in younger believers, God has entrusted each of us with opportunities to display His character and steward our lives for eternity.
#KingdomCommodities #Parenting #ChristianParenting #Discipleship #Faith #ChristianDevotional #Family #KingdomOfGod #Stewardship #JesusChrist
Cedar Springs Community Church
Graham, Washington 98338
cedarspringsnw.com
