Baby Dedication

Baby Dedication

June 22, 2002

1. Treat our children as blessings not burdens.

Psalm 127

Do you believe that?

There are too many parents today for whom children are something other than a blessing from God. Maybe part of that is that we see more and more parents having children for the wrong reasons.

Maybe if I get pregnant he’ll marry me.

Our marriage is in trouble but having a child will fix things.

I won’t be complete until I have children.

Then when our expectations are not met, the children become the fault instead of the solution.

Too many kids are disposable.

2. Remember who is the adult in the relationship.

We live in a society where the Peter Pan syndrome is alive and well. For the sake of our children I encouraged us to grow up.

Well the reverse of that is to treat children like little adults. I’m sorry but no matter how bright your toddler is she is still a child who needs an adult to lovingly but firmly direct her to do what she ought.

Too many adults are trying to be their kids pal rather than their parent.

Prov. 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

14 Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.

29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

3. Remember that in every parent-child relationship there are two sinners involved.

4. Remember that the best legacy you can leave doesn’t involve money.

Dad wants me to have all things he never had. The only problem is that I never get to use them.

Eph. 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.