5 of 12

Write now Article Tools

May 5 is celebrated as children day all over the world. In Nigeria alone 42.2% of the 164 million national population (2002 estimate) are between 0-14years mark and this means 69.2 million children are supposed to be celebrating each children day. But we know it is not so. Greater than half of this population is not even aware there is a children day. I always wonder, do we really celebrate children? My mind goes to the millions of children all over the world who must starve and die because of civil war, poverty, disease, and legalized abortion, lack of good drinking water, natural disasters and misrule. Others are condemned to lives of illiteracy and ignorance for lack of facilities to educate them.

What causes all these sufferings and deprivations? Man has departed from the directions given by his Maker. Man manufactures all manner of equipment to make life easier and also writes instructions for safe and efficient use of the equipment. So has the Author of life written HIS instructions for a safe and purposeful living on earth. And this is The Bible. However, man has refused to follow the instructions of God. The same Bible says that Man dominates man to his injury (Eccl 8:9).

The children the nation fails to train today with the national resources and assets will end up destroying the nation the more when they grow, and the cycle continues. However, does it end at that? We would give account to God who gave these children as GIFTS to us (Ps 127:3). What has been your own contribution to the training and development of children in your house? What about those in your neighborhood, church, school, business area and in the Nation?

I also remember the 'Hannahs', 'Sarahs' and 'Elizabeths' of today who still look up to God for the fruit of the womb. How do we relate to them today and everyday as others celebrate? Do you mock them in the manner of Penninah as recorded in 1Sam1:6? Do you chide them as Jacob did Rachel? Wait a minute. Did Jacob not say Am I in the position of God who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb? (Gen30:2) Are there not enough examples of God's faithfulness in the ancestry of Jacob? Sarah had Isaac at ninety years of age. Rebecca, Isaac's wife had Jacob and Esau after sixteen years of barrenness. We did not so read that Abraham or Isaac scolded their wives. But Jacob had no encouraging words to comfort his beloved wife Rachel just the way Elkannah comforted Hannah. What manner of love? How do you relate to such people today? How do you think of them? What is your relationship with the widows and widowers? How do you contribute to help orphans? Do you offer yourself for God to use as HE used Boaz for Ruth?

May God himself give peace to those who are still looking up to HIM for the fruits of the womb and answer their prayers. To those who have given up because of medical conditions, bereavement and very advanced age, may God fill the void and comfort them HIS own way.

Learn more about this author, Adelani Aderemi.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: For children?
We want to hear your view. Write now!