Jesus: I Speak to You Again
Chapter 122
The Depth and Foundation of Children’s Upbringing
My beloved brethren, I, Christ, wish to return once again to the topic of children’s upbringing, as today’s world is not addressing this issue properly. Different textbooks on child psychology and various books devoted to raising children do not teach the importance of associating with children through conversations about the Father. Many of you focus on short-term goals, trying to raise healthy, happy children who enjoy good relationships with their parents and the environment. However, you are missing the most important goal: raising your children to become grown-up children of the Father. This is where the roots of your current pain and suffering lie.
You aim to raise your child based on what you believe to be right, but how can you do so when you are not good examples yourselves? You do not show a living example for your child to follow. This is why I feel it is necessary to revisit this key issue for humanity.
Today, the entire system of child development and education does not conform to the Father’s evolutionary plan for spiritual growth. It is essential to realign this system so it follows the intended course. More than 38,000 years ago, Adam and Eve were sent to your planet with the mission to improve the biological and spiritual development of humanity. Their task was to uplift humanity’s genetic makeup and spiritual receptivity. Unfortunately, they failed, and as a result, you have not fully received the benefits of their life plasma. Consequently, it is difficult for many to comprehend spiritual teachings, and only a small portion of humanity seeks spiritual growth.
However, the Father’s plan is unstoppable. It is designed for the spiritual development of all creation, and no one can prevent its progress. You now face a choice: either continue allowing future generations to suffer as you do, or take steps to reduce that suffering and help your children and future generations grow both physically and spiritually. The decision, as well as the actions, are yours. The fruits of your efforts will be reaped by future generations through the wiser choices made by your children, grandchildren, and their descendants.
You now have the responsibility to act as the spiritual Adams and Eves of your world. It is up to you to lay a stronger foundation for future generations by fostering spiritual development in your children. But first, you must perfect yourselves spiritually. You must consciously choose this path, not wander aimlessly from one direction to another. My teachings, though meant for daily life, provide a starting point, but I encourage you to explore The Urantia Book for a more comprehensive understanding of my life in the flesh, approved by me. You will also learn about my experience raising my younger siblings after the death of my father, Joseph, when I was just fourteen years old. My approach to teaching my sisters, who were not allowed to attend school, may offer valuable insights into your own efforts to guide your children.
Children are born like blank canvases, ready to be shaped by their environment. As parents, you have the power to either raise them as enlightened sons and daughters of the Father or allow them to be driven by their lower, animal instincts. Today, many parents neglect their children, treating them as mere playthings, picking them up when they want attention and ignoring them when they don’t. This inconsistent and shallow interaction is also a form of upbringing, teaching children how to interact with others and with their own future children.
The Father’s spirit is knocking at the door of both your soul and the soul of your child, urging you to connect through the spiritual bond of His love. Look upon your children as beings with whom you should have a permanent spiritual relationship, not as mere objects of temporary satisfaction.
A wise parent never caters to a child’s whims if those whims threaten the child’s character. I taught my apostles that a wise father would never give a child a dangerous sea snake just because it was caught in the fishing net along with other fish. Likewise, you must learn to distinguish between what is truly good for your child and what may cause harm. Many of you indulge your children’s whims, buying them things to keep them quiet rather than offering genuine love and attention. These indulgences weaken your relationship with your child and fail to provide the guidance they need to grow into spiritually mature individuals.
The root of the problem lies in the lack of genuine love and spiritual connection. Instead of nurturing your children with the living water of the Father’s love, you offer them material distractions. These toys and gifts do not build up their character; they only fuel their selfish desires. You must learn to engage with your children sincerely and with full attention, offering them real connection rather than superficial interactions.
True upbringing requires a constant, loving presence. You must talk with your children, share your feelings, explain the world around them, and introduce them to the Father. By doing so, you are nurturing the spiritual seeds within them, allowing their souls to grow in love, goodness, and health. The family must be the foundation of humanity’s spiritual development, and no external institution, such as a nursery or school, can replace the role of the family in this process.
I understand that my words may seem far-fetched at present, but a time will come when there will be no abandoned children, and the family will once again play its rightful role in shaping the future of humanity. You can hasten the arrival of this time by turning to the Father, discovering Him within yourself, and dedicating your life to His love and service.