It’s the holiday season, a time to reflect on the greatest gift we’ve ever received—Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:8 reminds us that God graciously bestows gifts upon His people. The talents and abilities our children possess are entrusted to them by God. As parents, we are called to nurture these God-given gifts, creating opportunities for them to grow and be used for His glory.
Proverbs 22:6 (AMPC) says, “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Many interpret this verse in relationship to their children’s spiritual training. The main focus is actually acknowledging and cultivating our children’s God-given purpose and being sensitive to how they are uniquely designed. One of the worst statements we can tell our children is, “You can be anything you want to be,” and present life like a smorgasbord of dreams for the taking. The better statement would be, “You can be anything God has called you to be.” If we diligently direct our children according to their gifts, when they are old they will still be flourishing in their purpose.
We must be very cautious on how we influence our children concerning their calling. Be mindful that they will never be fully satisfied in life unless they are doing what they were created to do. Using how much money they will or won’t make as a decision-making filter is wrong. Also, if they need certain educational requirements to fulfill their calling, don’t steer them in a different direction because of the expense of gaining a degree or certification. I have seen many young adults stalled in a holding pattern due to educational financial fears. I believe when children obey the leading of the Lord concerning their purpose, great blessing and provision will follow them, not just financially but also physically, relationally, and emotionally. Where God guides, He will provide!
One of the best prayers I have found to pray for my children concerning their purpose is in Ephesians 1:17-19 (NLT). It is a favorite prayer of mine and one I’ve mentioned in a previous blog.
Dear God, I ask that you give our children spiritual wisdom and insight, so they might grow in their knowledge of You. I pray that their hearts will be flooded with light so that they can understand the confident hope You have called them to. May they grasp the inheritance you have given them in the saints and realize the exceeding greatness of Your power in their lives. In Jesus name. Amen.
Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz realized in the end that the ruby slippers on her feet always held the power to get her home, but she never knew it. What should be obvious is sometimes blocked from our view. Asking God to open our children’s spiritual eyes and shed the light of His truth, will bring the clarity and confidence needed to achieve all He’s called them to be.
