Planting a seed is only the first of a season’s worth of steps. There is watering, fertilising, weeding, and protecting the struggling plant from pests, diseases, storms, and adverse weather. Many flowers and vegetables require stakes, cages, and other supports to help them stand tall and bear their fruit. The gardener who does nothing but sow a seed shouldn’t be surprised if his or her plants never reach maturity. Almost all living things in God’s creation reproduce by sowing a seed: human beings, plants, birds, fish, and animals. When a seed is buried out of sight in the ground, there is little we can do to impact its growth. But when a new plant – and especially a new baby – enters the world, that’s where the results of real husbandry – and parenting – can be seen. Passive parenting is letting a child grow up in his or her own way. But Bible parenting is a different matter altogether. If you’re a parent, read these Scriptures (if you’re not, perhaps you could use these verses to guide your prayers for parents in your community): ‘True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honour, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it’ (Proverbs 22:4-6 NLT). ‘The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing’ (Psalm 92:12-14 NKJV). That’s called ‘parenting, the Bible way’.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.