Rewards

Proverbs 20:7 (KJV) The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Children and grandchildren are generally a joy.  For most people they are the greatest joy when they’re still in the diaper stage before they walk.  That is because they still seem to be innocent and their self-centeredness is disguised by their cuteness.  People sitting behind young parents will make faces at the babies as they look over your shoulder.  It’s a grand time.

But remember what Peter, Paul, and Mary sang, “A dragon lives forever but not so little boys.”  These wonderful “innocent” children grow up and begin to display a lot of characteristics that are not so wonderful . We still enjoy them.  We still think they are the best thing since sliced bread.

Eventually they grow up and start out on their own.  It is at that point that you begin to find out what kind of investment you’ve made.  What Solomon is saying here is that you don’t know until your children grow up what kind of an example you set for them.  I speak from my position of joy.  My father raised four boys.  They were all credit to him, family, and God.  My brother just died and I can say the same thing about his four children.  Their lives were lived in such a way that they invested in the next generation.

So?  If you have no children, then your contribution may be that of an uncle or a godfather, but you still have a contribution.  If you are a young parent, consider these words carefully.  If you’re an older parent, keep in mind that you continue to have input.  May God bless you and your children.