Have you ever paused to see a child through God’s eyes? As a mother with three adult children, I wish I would have spent more time doing just that. I was able to see that like all three of my pregnancies, all three of my children were very unique. There were definite similarities, but each one had their own personalities and their own God-given talents.
I know that every child is a unique, God-given treasure. Psalm 127:3 reads, “Certainly sons are a gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward.”(usccb.org) Together, we will remind ourselves what a gift children are to us and the world!
Children as Gifts from God
There are many references to children in the Bible that depict their spiritual significance. Take, for example, Jeremiah 1:5 , “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (usccb.org) This demonstrates the significance a child has as well as the obligation to serve. Matthew 18:3-5 reads, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” (usccb.org) This scripture describes how uniquely children are. So much so, that we should be like them.
Remember that children are entrusted to us. They are not owned by us. God has a purpose for each one. We should love them, encourage them and help them cultivate their God-given gifts and talents.
Uncovering Their God-Given Gifts
When observing the uniqueness of each child, we must realize that gifts may look different. We may think they are annoying traits or habits, but they are really just undeveloped strengths and gifts. Watching for patterns will help you discover your child’s (or a child’s) God-given gifts. CliftonStrengths® does a great job of explaining this.
Here are some places to look for patterns:
- What excites the child?
- What comes easily to them?
- What things are they doing when they lose track of time when they’re doing them?
Here are some examples:
- A child who “talks too much” may be gifted in communication, teaching, or leadership.
- A child who “won’t sit still” may have energy for athletics, dance, or kinesthetic learning.
- A child who “asks too many questions” might be an analytical thinker, future researcher, or innovator.
Remember scripture verse 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (usccb.org) It is the duty of adults to help children become what God has intended and to help them use their God-given gifts.
Reframing Behavior: Seeing Potential in the Unexpected
I encourage parents, guardians, relatives, friends and teachers to look deeper than behavior and nurture what could be developing. Follow Proverbs 22:6, “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.” (usccb.org) This does imply an understanding of who they are meant to be. We need to take the time to observe and learn who they are and to help them uncover their gifts. Remember that not all gifts appear academic or well-behaved according to society’s standards.
It is more important to offer encouragement instead of correction. Oftentimes correction is needed when safety is an issue, but encouragement will have a greater impact on a child. Not only encouraging preferred outcomes, but also providing encouragement when a child tries something new, even if they fail. We all need to fail to learn a better way. Also remember that gifts may take time to fully develop. I know many adults (myself included) are still developing their gifts. Be patient with the child.
The Role of Children in Families and Communities
Children also play an important role in families and communities. They help adults grow in patience, joy, wonder, and love. I know someone who has befriended an orphanage in another country. The live interactions (Technology is a wonderful tool!) with the children spark ideas and joy in his life. Children ask big questions that make adults think deeper. This is a unique and unexpected kind of leadership.
Children contribute spiritually, emotionally, and relationally to the home. They remind us of how to be. They provide examples of true love and wonderment. They show us how to relate to people who are different from us. Isaiah 11:6 reads, “Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.”(usccb.org)
Preparing Children to Be the Future
It is imperative that we steward their gifts with intentionality and prayer. Focus on the child and their role in this world. What might God have in store for them and for us because of them. We need to ensure they have a safe and loving environment to explore their identity. They need to test boundaries and find their interests and talents.
They need to know that they have a true purpose because God created them. Ephesians 2:10 teaches “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” (usccb.org)
As mentors, parents, teachers, and leaders, we hold a great responsibility in shaping the next generation. It is very difficult for us to lead and support our children if we do not know who God created us to be. Learn who you are. Learn how to embrace grace and live as a child of God so you can teach it.
Practical Tips for Encouraging Their Value
Always encourage a child to know their value. It can be difficult during specific times of growth, so I offer these tips:
- Speak life over children: (Proverbs 18:21).”Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who choose one shall eat its fruit.” (usccb.org)
- Pray over children’s gifts and identity.
- Provide experiences to explore different areas to help discover gifts..
- Resist comparison with other children. Every child is a unique gift.
- Practice listening and observing over judging. Look for what is good.
Journaling or documenting moments that hint at a child’s gifts can present patterns to make gifts easier to discover. Sometimes gifts are camouflage as something negative. Documenting this times and experiences will allow the opportunity to read it later after prayer. This can allow time for stressors to melt away and create a more open and altruistic experience.
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
Honor and cherish children’s God-given value. I encourage you to take time this week to truly see your children and the children you come into contact with regularly. What do you see? What is God showing you? Ask the child what they think their God-given gifts are..
Pray with Mark 10:14, “When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (usccb.org) Reflect on what Jesus may see in the hearts of these children.
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