“I was a son unto my father, tender and an only one in the sight of my mother. . . . He taught me, and said . . . Let thy heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live” (Prov. 4:34 JND).
Children—unlike adults—have not yet their opinions formed. They are empty vessels, and it is our solemn privilege and responsibility to fill them. In John 2 the Lord said to the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water.” They obeyed, and there was great blessing. Your business is to fill your children with the water of the Word, the truth of the gospel, which the Lord can turn into the wine of salvation.
If we do not fill our children, someone else will. The devil is looking out for waterpots, and he will fill them with the poison of violence and corruption. But be aware, dear parents, you will not be able to fill them unless you first are filled. If you read trashy literature or adopt worldly habits, don’t be surprised if your children turn to such folly also.
Feed much upon the sacred Word and make it your chosen Book. Never forget that you must be in personal contact with the Lord. Seek to be like those servants who filled the pots to the brim and then brought them to Jesus. They were incapable of changing the water to wine, and so are you. Still, you must do what they did—bring your children to Jesus. To do this will necessitate wholehearted, fervent prayer (James 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)). You cannot be successful in doing this unless you are found in constant dependence and prayer before your Lord.
Gems From My Reading (adapted)