Often, Satan sows seeds of discouragement to deter families from serving God. When a parent is actively involved in God's service, questions may arise about why their children should also be deeply involved. For instance, if one parent is a choir leader, gatekeeper, or priest, and one or two of their children also serve in the same department, it may lead to murmuring among church members. However, we should see this as an opportunity for our families to unite in God's service rather than a cause for division.
Instead of murmuring and questioning, “Are they the only ones?” We should rather pray that the Lord’s hands would be upon our children to serve God as we do. Imagine the joy and pride we would feel if more than one member of our family, or our entire family, is serving God wholeheartedly in different capacities. Even if people say, “They have turned the church into a family thing,” We should not be discouraged by those sayings; it is a testament to our shared commitment to God's service.
• How lovely would it be for all my children to become priests?
• How sweet would it be for all the family members of the Choir Director to become servants of God in the department of music (1 Chron. 25:1-6)? The children were singing and prophesying with their instruments under the direction of their fathers.
• How lovely would it be if the treasurer’s family members also picked up after their parents? (1 Chron. 26:20-28). As strange as this may sound, it is actually God’s wish.
Am I stretching the truth? Absolutely not. The Bible teaches us that serving the Lord is both a personal commitment and a family affair. This is not a new concept, but one that has been deeply rooted in our faith for generations. Let us take comfort and confidence in this rich biblical precedent as we encourage our children to follow in our footsteps, knowing that we are part of a long-standing tradition of family service to God.
1. When David was about to die, he installed his son, Solomon, as king (1 Chronicles 23:1). We must pray that our children will pick up where we left off in the service of God.
2. David chose the Levites to oversee the work in the house of God (1 Chron. 23:2-4).
3. Levites were the sons of Levi (1 Chron. 23:6-13) – one of Jacob's sons. Verse 13 states that the sons of Aaron should minister and pronounce blessings in the house of the Lord forever. See Numbers 3:5-10. (Pray that the Lord will choose your family to serve Him).
4. The children of Levi would assist the children of Aaron to serve the house of the Lord (vs. 27-32). All our children are expected to be in one department or the other, serving God.
Parents should not discourage children from serving in the same church. We are to teach our children to get involved from an early age. Do not allow anyone to discourage your family from getting involved in the works of the house of God. All of Aaron’s family members were to be Priests over Israel. All Levites were to assist the priests and serve as assigned. All our children should serve. The questions are: where are our children? What are they doing? Do they see service in the house of God as a choice or as a necessity? Next time when people tell you that yours is too much - having all your family members serving, will you shy away, or will you refer the commentators to the truth of the Bible?
You may say, “But this is the Old Testament.” You are right, but let us see the New Testament. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our High Priest now (Heb. 4:14-16). And guess what? He has made all of us priests after Himself. If Jesus is the Aaron, we believers are His children, His Levites, therefore, eligible for service in the house of God. When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, the New Testament says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9) We are chosen, just as Levi’s family was chosen.
Luke 1:36 reveals that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was a relative (cousin) of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Therefore, John, the forerunner of Jesus and Jesus Christ, were relatives (cousins).
Peter and Andrew (among the twelve disciples) were brothers, the sons of Jonah – (Matt. 10:2)
James and John (among the twelve disciples) were brothers, the sons of Zebedee - (Matt. 10:2)
• Rejoice in bringing your family into the services in the house of God.
• Pray that God will breadth upon all your family members. It’s nothing to be shy about or run away from. It is something to covet and be proud of.
• Pray that your children will take after you in the service of the Lord.
• Pray that they will serve God while you are still alive.
Praise God. This is flourishing – when parents and children serve in God's house together. This is flourishing.
