“Precious cargo” implies something that is of immense value, importance and worth being protected. It can also be something costly and highly cherished, like gold and silver, fine arts or jewelry. The most ‘precious cargo” of all, however, is our children, who are valuable blessings from God. They “are a heritage from the LORD… a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NIV1984).
Jesus rebuked his disciples, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matt. 19:14). They are to be loved and cherished as precious gifts from God. Sadly, too many children are abused and neglected, with no one to care for and love them.
Because of the value of these little ones, they are to be taught the way of God from birth. Parents are responsible to “…bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Prov. 22:6).This is not a guarantee but more like a parental warning of the consequences of not guiding and instructing a young child in the right way. A child can eventually make his own choices and go a different path. If properly brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, he will most likely come back to his parental teaching.
The Bible provides specific instructions on how to instruct children. These instructions were given to the children of Israel as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses said, “These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children…” (Deut. 6:6-7). The word “impress” emphasizes a profound and ongoing teaching of God’s commands to children. It is a deliberate action to mold their minds and hearts to God’s truths.
From infancy, we begin teaching our children and they begin learning. They learn to crawl, walk, talk, run, jump, eat new and different foods and even to disobey as well as obey. We teach them to be polite and respectful, to obey authority figures and to accept responsibility. These teachings are especially important in their journey toward maturity.
Nothing, however, is as important as teaching our children about God. Reading Bible stories, singing Bible songs and praying with them is a necessity. Introducing them to Jesus should be a primary focus in teaching them while they are young. Waiting until they get in Sunday School to hear the Gospel and be shown the plan of salvation might be too late.
Our teaching must be diligent, firm, unfaltering, serious, persistent and persevering. We want our children to excel in academics, sports, music, arts or other things. Excelling in spiritual matters must come first, and parents must lead by example — in Bible reading, prayer times, church attendance and everyday behavior.
When is the right time to begin teaching children about Jesus? In Deuteronomy 6:7, we read: “…Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Ifyou have “precious cargo,” teach them the way of righteousness. If you have not been the recipient of godly teaching, it is never too late to start with your own family. One who doesn’t have children can have amazing opportunities to influence other children. These teachings will extend to “…a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord” (Psalm 102:18).
