Committing Our Children to God

Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 1; 2:1-11
Lesson Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 17, 20, 26-28; 2:26; 3:1

Introduction

Children are a priceless heritage given to us by God. Committing them completely to Him requires a comprehensive trust in His providential care. If the treasure of our heart is placed on things of earth, we will be inclined to direct our children in ways that are detrimental to them. Having our love firmly placed on God is an important foundation for the proper spiritual nurture of our children.

Key Verse

Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion (Isa. 8:18).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Children are a blessing and gift from God, for the miracle of life itself belongs to Him. Hannah had been denied this blessing. She earnestly sought the Lord’s face to grant her a son, and He graciously fulfilled her request. Her desire for a child was not self-centered; she desired a son to give to the Lord. In her devotion to God, she vowed that if God gave her a son, she would give the boy back to Him.

Hannah’s vow shows a remarkable faith and confidence in God. The Scripture does not record the emotions of this mother when she left her child in custody of the high priest, but we know for certain that the vow was kept. By some accounts, Samuel could have been as young as three years old when he was taken from his parental home. What transpired and passed between this young child and his mother in those early years? As she knew the days were numbered for her to care for him, surely it brought her a sense of urgency to instill in him the importance of following God.

As the child grew, he worked with Eli in the temple. Hannah faithfully came each year to sacrifice and see her son. Her faith was likely tested each time. The sons of Eli, who also served as priests in the temple, were corrupt and wicked. Hannah may have questioned if this was the best environment for her precious son. She may have even been tempted to doubt the wisdom of her vow.

Because of her commitment, God was faithful to both Hannah and Samuel. It appears that Samuel was not tainted by the corruption of Eli’s sons. Our lesson scripture states that Samuel grew and was in favor with God and man.

As Samuel followed God, He began to use him. At a very young age, He sent Samuel a vision showing the judgment He would place on Eli and his family for their wickedness. As Samuel grew to manhood, it became clear that God had chosen him to share His Word and will with His people.

Practical Truths for Today

A loving parent-child relationship was created by God to be one of the building blocks of society. This relationship is built on the godly values and principles of respect, trust, and love. The values we pass on to future generations are the only lasting legacy we leave in this world.

Many people will remember holding their children as tiny babies for the first time and the feeling of love and responsibility that it brought. The natural love that God gives us makes the task of child nurture a source of satisfaction that is not burdensome. Responsible parents will try to protect their children from the evils of this present world. This will take a commitment to God to have vision of what to cling to and what to discard. As the passage of time produces new parents, may they likewise feel their need of divine assistance and pray God for help and guidance.

In a child’s younger years, parents may be tempted to encourage him in behavior not conducive to his future well-being. Some parents show off their children by dressing and adorning them in ways that are not consistent with the principles of modesty and humility. As children begin to walk and talk, it is enjoyable to share the interesting things they do and say. We may even encourage them to say and do things in a way that brings attention to them, and, consequently, to us. This fosters the spirit of pride that is part of the inherent, sinful nature. Parents who are not fully committed to God find it difficult to properly teach their children the meaning of self-denial and to bring them to the place where they can discipline their own nature.

As children grow older and go to school, we enjoy seeing them develop and thrive as they learn many new skills. This necessitates trusting others with the oversight of their children when they are away from home. Some parents are over-protective of their children in their relationships with other children and even override the authority of the teacher or others who are responsible for them outside the home. In Samuel’s childhood at the temple, he possibly endured unfair treatment from Eli’s sons. Despite the potential for injury, Hannah fully trusted her son into the hands of God. In this example of faith, the noteworthy point to remember is that in committing our children to God, we must also trust our spiritual brothers and sisters to help guide them. Perhaps Galatians 5:10 applies here, “I have confidence in you through the Lord.”

When our children reach the age of accountability and God calls them, they have a decision to make that is theirs alone. This can be a time of anxiety for parents. We realize that the example we have given them will either help or hinder them in their perception of God. We must commit them to God in prayer and believe that He will be able to reach them even though we have made many mistakes.

In time, our children mature and become more independent; however, we must not think that committing them to God means we no longer are actively involved in their lives. It may be easier to deny ourselves of things or feelings that we know are sinful or detrimental to our own spiritual health than to encourage our children to deny themselves. We may find it difficult to discourage them from participating in activities and having possessions that are not becoming of a Christian. Though the pressure they feel to be accepted and admired is strong, we must encourage them to take the right way, even when it leaves them feeling socially neglected. If we as parents are challenged in this area, we need to check our own commitment to God. God placed a harsh judgment on Eli’s house because his sons were wicked and unrestrained (1 Sam. 3:11-14).

Most parents can remember difficult experiences in their lives and may wish to spare their children the pain of similar times. However, children who learn to accept disappointment and adversity early in life will fare better than those who are pampered.

Higher education presents advantages that some people find appealing. The opportunities for better earning ability and the prestige and glory of men may look attractive, but grave dangers are inherent in higher education. Teaching children to take the humble way may put them at an economic disadvantage. Nevertheless, godly parents are not willing to see their children miss heaven for an easy, pleasure-filled life.

Can we trust God for our children’s future as they consider marriage? Even while seeking God’s face in this matter, it can be frustrating when the desired opportunity does not develop. In waiting for His direction, it takes prayer and trust, believing that God cares deeply for each child and will bring His will to pass. Our children perceive when we commit them to God and trust Him to guide their future.

It may test our faith in God when our children yield to temptation and make foolish decisions. In those times, let us remember how He has drawn us back to Himself when we have strayed—He will draw our children in the same way. Though the burden is heavy as we see the way our children are hurting themselves, it will be a drawing to them as they sense our confidence in God. God will use our unwavering faith in Him to show them where to find the security they desire.

There is hardly a more powerful witness to the world than a family that is fully committed to God. Security, trust, and love are found in following God, and these are unequaled by anything the world has to offer. Nevertheless, as with all good things, Satan will attempt to destroy them through pride, selfishness, and distrust.

Committing children to God must begin with the parents’ personal commitment to Him. Loving God with all our heart and holding heaven as our highest priority are essential in giving our children the direction and security they need. May our commitment to God for ourselves and our children be sincere so we do not compromise the most important legacy we can leave.

Questions

1. How much pressure to do right should parents put on their children who have become accountable to God?
2. What are ways for parents to find rest in their hearts and keep faith in God when their disobedient child does not answer the call of God, but rather moves further away from Him?
3. How can a youth honor his parents when they try to micromanage him as he seeks God’s will for his life?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).