FAITHFUL AND DIGNIFIED CHILDREN

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
(Luke 16:10).

FAITHFUL CHILDREN

God specifically encourages us as parents to raise FAITHFUL children. Titus 1:6 writes to pastors and elders that they must be men of unquestionable integrity who have “faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.” This is God’s standard for all parents, but a pastor who leads a flock, must of course hold up this standard.

The word “faithful” is pistos and means children who are “believers who hold to the faith, and who are truthful, trustworthy, and faithful in all things.” The same word is used in the following Scriptures:

Matthew 24:45-47: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant . . . Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.”

Matthew 25:21, 23: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

We have a responsibility to live this truth before our children. Do they see us being faithful in the little things of life? Do they see us faithfully doing the same things day after day without grumbling and complaining? Do they see us happily and contentedly changing diapers, preparing meals, and cleaning the house?

As they SEE this attribute in our lives it becomes easier to train them to be faithful in the little things of life. It is a God-given principle that we will only move into greater things as we are faithful to the daily routine of life.

The opposite of faithful children are children who are “accused of riot or unruly (disobedient).” The word “riot” is asotia and is used for extravagant squandering (the same word used of the prodigal son in Luke 15:13). It describes one who easily gives into the flesh, worldly lusts, and appetites.

May God help us we lead our children to faith in Christ (No. 1 ultimate prayer and goal for our children) and train them to be faithful and trustworthy in the daily duties of life and home. They will not be ready for greater things unless they learn to be faithful in the little things now.

DIGNIFIED CHILDREN

However, did you know that the Bible also tells us to raise DIGNIFIED children?

1 Timothy 3:4 (NASB) reveals that God doesn’t want unruly children, but dignified children. This Scripture once again talks to pastors and elders (but it applies to all parents): “He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.”

The word for “dignity” is semnotes and means “dignity, decency, honesty, and inspiring respect and honor from other people.” Dignified children have a good testimony before the world. Zodhiates Lexical Aids to the New Testament says: "It is the ability to perform well one's duties as a citizen, but in addition showing that the dignity is not from this earth but from heaven, thus drawing respect and reverence."

When specifically speaking to the young men, Titus 2:7, 8 (NASB) encourages them again about dignity: “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

How many of us have dignified children? Dignified in their speech, conduct, and manner of life? So dignified that other people take notice.

Let’s elevate the standard and raise faithful and dignified children in this world--children who are good examples of belonging to God’s kingdom and the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Nancy Campbell

PRAYER:

“Dear Father, Please elevate my vision for raising my children. I know it is not enough to make sure they are fed and clothed. I have a higher mandate from You to raise them to be faithful and dignified, children who are different to the world around them, children who know they have a heavenly calling. Please anoint me for this task. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I am training children to be faithful in the little daily things so that one day they will be faithful in big things.