10 Things Children Wish Their Parents Knew

 

By Jude watchman Oguta

Bible Texts: Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 6:4, Mark 10:14, Proverbs 22:6 Occasion: Children’s Day

Children may not always have the words, but they have deep longings. They feel, observe, absorb, and remember far more than adults often realize. Jesus Himself paused to affirm their worth: “Let the little children come to me… for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). If Jesus valued children so intentionally, then we must learn to see them through His eyes.

Here are 10 things children wish their parents knew, expressed through Scripture and practical wisdom.

1. “Know Me—Don’t Just Manage Me.”

Children long to be understood—not just instructed, corrected, or scheduled. God said, “Before I formed thee… I knew thee” (Jeremiah 1:5). If God knows us personally, our children deserve the same attention.

How to apply it: Ask about their dreams, fears, and joys. Be curious about their world, not just their performance.

2. “Your Life Teaches Me More Than Your Words.”

Children watch more than they listen and they imitate what they see. Proverbs 22:6 calls us to train—not just talk. They learn prayer by seeing us pray. They learn forgiveness by watching us forgive.

How to apply it: Let them see you pray, forgive, apologize, and trust God. Your life is their first Bible.

3. “I Need Your Presence More Than Your Presents.”

A child’s heart values time over toys. They spell love as T‑I‑M‑E.

Psalm 127:3 calls children a heritage—something you invest in, not outsource.

How to apply it: Fifteen minutes of undivided attention daily builds more security than any toy ever could.

4. “Correct Me, But Do It With Love.”

Children don’t fear discipline—they fear rejection. Children actually crave boundaries. Discipline gives them structure and safety.

Scripture teaches that loving correction shapes responsible adults.

How to apply it: Correct the behavior, affirm the child. Say, “I love you, and this behavior isn’t okay.”

5. “Trust Me With Responsibility.”

Children grow when they are trusted. David was tending sheep long before he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34–36). Responsibility builds confidence.

How to apply it: Give age‑appropriate tasks. Let them make small decisions and learn from mistakes.

6. “Protect Me—The World Is Not As Safe As You Think.”

Children face dangers from people, media, and environments. Children today face dangers previous generations never imagined.

Research shows most abuse comes from familiar people. Parents must stay alert.

Hannah prayed for Samuel and dedicated him to God (1 Samuel 1:27–28). Protection is both practical and spiritual.

How to apply it: Be vigilant about who has access to your children. Monitor what they watch. Pray for them by name daily.

7. “I’m Not You—I’m Me.”

Every child is uniquely crafted by God. Children want permission to be themselves.

Galatians 6:5 reminds us that each person carries their own God‑given identity. Psalm 139:14 affirms their uniqueness.

How to apply it: Don’t force your unfulfilled dreams on them. Help them discover who God created them to be.

8. “Listen to Me Without Judging.”

Sometimes children don’t need correction—they need connection. Children shut down when every conversation becomes a lecture.

James 1:19 teaches us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak.”

How to apply it: Let them talk freely. Sometimes they need comfort, not correction.

9. “Give Me a Peaceful Home.”

Children absorb the emotional climate of the home. Ephesians 6:4 warns parents not to provoke their children to anger.

How to apply it: Resolve conflicts peacefully. Let your home be a sanctuary, not a battlefield.

10. “Help Me Know God for Myself.”

Children are spiritually hungry. Jesus welcomed them. Parents must lead them to Him.

How to apply it: Pray with them. Read Scripture together. Let them see faith lived out daily.

Conclusion

Children are not just the future—they are God’s gift for today. They thrive when they are known, loved, protected, and guided with grace. As we celebrate Children’s Day, may we recommit ourselves to raising children who feel valued, heard, and led toward God’s purpose for their lives.

Happy Children’s Day.

9 Steps to Marital Bliss: Lessons from Isaac and Rebekah’s Love Story

by Jude Oguta

 Scripture References: Genesis 24:1–67, Matthew 7:24

Marriage is more than a romantic journey—it’s a divine covenant. In a world where relationships often crumble under pressure, believers are called to build on the rock-solid foundation of God’s Word (Matt 7:24). 

For believers seeking to build a strong, Christ-centered marriage, the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 offers timeless wisdom. It's more than a historical account; it's a blueprint for a godly union. By examining the principles that guided their relationship, we can learn how to build our own marriages on a firm foundation. As Jesus taught, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24).

Let's explore nine powerful lessons from this ancient story that can lead us to marital bliss.

1. Don't Be Unequally Yoked

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-9; 2 Corinthians 6:14

Abraham's first instruction to his servant was clear: "You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell" (Gen 24:3). He knew that for Isaac's faith to thrive, his spouse must share his beliefs. This principle remains vital today. A marriage between a believer and a non-believer is an unequal yoke that can create deep spiritual conflict and compromise. Choose a partner who is on the same spiritual journey as you.

Abraham was adamant: Isaac must not marry a Canaanite woman. He understood that spiritual alignment is non-negotiable. A shared faith is the bedrock of a lasting union. When values clash, unity suffers. Choose someone who walks with God—not just someone who walks beside you.

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2. Pray for Divine Guidance

Scripture: Genesis 24:12-13

Before Eliezer made a move, he prayed. He didn’t rely on charm or chance—he sought God’s direction. In choosing a life partner, prayer isn’t optional; it’s essential. Ask God to lead you to someone who complements your calling, not just your comfort. Prayer is a prerequisite for a godly marriage. His prayer wasn't just a general request; it was specific. Similarly, we should seek God's will for our lives and our future spouses. This is a divine call to partner with God in finding the person He has for us.

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3. Test Character, Not just Chemistry

Scripture: Genesis 24:14, 18-20

The servant's prayer included a character test: the woman who offered him and his camels water would be the one. Rebekah's actions revealed a kind, hospitable, and generous heart—qualities essential for a life partner. The period of courtship or friendship is meant to be a time of careful observation, not just romance. Observe how a person treats others, their integrity, and their attitude when faced with challenges. Character is the bedrock of a lasting relationship.

Eliezer’s test wasn’t superficial—it was about kindness, humility, and service. Rebekah passed with flying colors. Courtship is a time to observe, not just to be swept off your feet. Look for fruit, not just feelings. Test every spirit (1 John 4:1)—and every character.

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4. Seek Parental and Spiritual Consent

Scripture: Genesis 24:50-51

When the servant explained his mission, Rebekah's family acknowledged that the union was from the Lord and gave their consent. In a similar vein, we should seek the blessing and counsel of our biological and spiritual authorities. These are the people God has placed in our lives for guidance and protection. Their wisdom and discernment can provide an important confirmation that the union is right.

Rebekah’s family gave their blessing. In today’s culture, independence often trumps wisdom, but God honors authority. Both biological and spiritual consent bring covering and confirmation. Don’t bypass the voices God placed in your life.

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5. Respect the Divine Order

Scripture: Genesis 24:57-58

When Rebekah was asked, "Will you go with this man?" her positive response was a clear acknowledgment of the divine order. In a godly marriage, the man is called to provide leadership and direction, while the woman is his helpmeet. This doesn't imply superiority or inferiority but a beautiful partnership where the husband leads as Christ leads the church and the wife follows.

God’s design places the man as the leader in marriage—not as a dictator, but as a servant-leader. A woman’s willingness to follow reflects trust in both her husband and God’s order.

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6. Practice Submission

Scripture: Genesis 24:64-65

When Rebekah saw Isaac, she "got down from her camel and took her veil and covered herself." In ancient times, the camel was a symbol of her status, and the veil symbolized her modesty and chastity (1 Timothy 2:9). For a marriage to flourish, a woman must be willing to "come down from her camel"—to set aside personal pride, career ambitions, or other things that she might place above her husband and marriage. This act of submission is a willing choice to honor her husband and the marriage covenant.

Rebekah came down from her camel and veiled herself. Symbolically, she laid down her status and embraced modesty. Submission isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. It’s choosing unity over ego, and grace over pride.

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7. See Each Other Through God's Eyes

Scripture: Genesis 24:63-64

Isaac looked up and saw Rebekah. Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. Their eyes were lifted—first to God, then to each other. In a nutshell, Isaac and Rebekah both lifted their eyes and saw each other as if they were lifting their eyes to the Lord. The most profound way to see your spouse is through God’s perspective. This means we see our partners as God's precious creation, worthy of respect, patience, and love. This perspective also leads to intercession, a practice that sustained Isaac and Rebekah. Isaac prayed for Rebekah when she was barren for 20 years instead of blaming her, and God answered their prayers. See your spouse through God’s eyes, not your frustrations.

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8. Your Wife is Your Mother's Replacement

Scripture: Genesis 24:67

"Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her." Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother's place, signifying her new position of honor and significance in his life. The wife is to be the central woman in a man's life, and he is to "leave his father and mother" and "hold fast to his wife" (Genesis 2:24). This principle is crucial for establishing a healthy, independent marriage unit.

Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother’s tent. That wasn’t just a gesture—it was a declaration. She now held the place of honor, influence, and intimacy. A wife isn’t a sidekick; she’s a partner. Take her—fully. Not just her body or her beauty, but her whole person.

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9. Love Your Wife

Scripture: Genesis 24:67

The story concludes with a powerful statement: "Isaac...loved her." The Bible admonishes husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Isaac's love was so profound that even after 20 years of barrenness, he didn't seek another wife but remained devoted. This is the kind of unconditional love that sustains a marriage through every challenge and tribulation, making it a true picture of God’s love for us.

Isaac loved Rebekah. Even when she was barren for 20 years, he didn’t seek another. Love isn’t just emotion—it’s devotion. It’s choosing your spouse again and again, even when life doesn’t go as planned. That’s covenant love.

Final Thoughts Marital bliss isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. Isaac and Rebekah’s story reminds us that when we build on God’s principles, storms may come, but the house will stand (Matt 7:24). Whether you’re single, engaged, or married, these steps are timeless truths that can shape a godly, joyful union.

Which of these steps speaks most to your current season? Let’s talk about it.