You are a CARETAKER. You don’t own the Child.

The Journey of Life: From Birth to Purpose

Life is a journey. From infancy to adulthood, we all travel through different seasons—infanthood → childhood → teenage years → youth → adulthood. Many are blessed to grow up in nurturing homes, enjoying the love and protection of parents or guardians. Others, unfortunately, are not.

In most homes, the future of the child is a top priority. Parents go above and beyond to provide the best possible life for their children—spiritually, mentally, and physically. They send them to the best schools they can afford, open doors to valuable connections, and do all they can to position them for a life of success, comfort, and influence.

This effort is admirable. It deserves respect and appreciation.

But there’s a deeper truth that often goes overlooked. Many parents—despite their best intentions—are not fulfilling their duty in the way God originally intended. This post explores why. 

Between Birth and Death: There Is a Mission

Every child eventually becomes an adult. And many adults become leaders, parents, and guardians. That transition is natural—it’s the cycle of life. And as we all know, life has a beginning and an end. We are born, and one day, we will die.

But in between birth and death is a journey. And within that journey lies a mission, a divine assignment for every individual.

This assignment is not optional. It is the most important reason for our existence. Every single day should be lived with this mission in mind.

You’ve Been Given an Allocation—Use It Wisely

Each person is given a unique allocation—time, health, resources, influence, opportunities. These are not random gifts; they are strategic resources meant to help you fulfill your purpose.

We are accountable for how we use them. That means we must set priorities, steward our resources wisely, and invest them in what truly matters.

God’s Heritage: Children Are Not Ours

Here is a truth that redefines everything:

Children are not ours. They are God’s heritage – Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

As a parent or guardian, you are not the owner of your child—you are the caretaker. God has entrusted them to you because He believes you are capable of managing His possession according to His will.

This changes how we approach parenting. We are not to raise children based on personal ambition, fear, or cultural trends. We are to raise them according to the purpose God has placed on their lives.

What’s the Goal of Parenting?

Your primary responsibility as a caretaker is to guide your child toward independence and maturity—spiritually, mentally, physically, and purposefully.

This season of guidance is not forever. You are given a window of influence—a specific time within their growth—to prepare them for their own journey, purpose, and calling.

Your Assignment Comes First

Here’s a crucial insight that many overlook:

Your God-given assignment comes before your role as a parent or guardian.

You cannot give what you do not have. If you neglect your purpose, your growth, and your spiritual development, you’ll have little to offer your children.

Looking at the contrast between Jesus’ priorities and the typical concerns of his earthly family. His parents were worried, searching for him, but Jesus was not swayed by those concerns. While it was natural for Mary and Joseph to be anxious about him, Jesus was demonstrating that his life’s purpose was not about meeting normal familial expectations—it was about fulfilling a heavenly purpose that transcended earthly relationships.

Invest the greater part of your resources into your own growth and assignment. Then, from that place of fullness, steward your role as a parent well.

You Are Not Alone: Destiny Helpers Exist

God never intended for you to raise your children alone. Just as He placed you in their lives, He has also assigned Destiny Helpers—mentors, friends, teachers, spiritual guides—to play a role in their journey.

Parents are simply the first destiny helpers in a child’s life. Don’t try to carry the full weight of parenting by yourself. Allow others to step into their roles too.

Final Thoughts: Stewardship Over Ownership

To wrap it all up:

Whatever God has entrusted to you—be it time, wealth, health, power, or influence—it is for two main purposes:

1. To fulfill your own divine assignment.
2. To nurture and guide His heritage—your children or wards.

And always remember the divine order: YOU come first, then your children. Not because you’re more important, but because your assignment fuels your ability to raise them well.

So don’t pour everything into your children and neglect yourself. Instead, live purposefully, steward wisely, and raise them with the consciousness that they belong to God—not to you.

Remember, You can be summoned by God at anytime to come and give account of your divine assignment,  because you are a caretaker of the child/ward, you are not their owner. Not all Children are completely raised by their biological parents, some parents pass on, while the children continue their journey in destiny.