The Next Generation

"She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet" Proverbs 31:21 NKJV

There is a very commonly used adage around Christian circles that says, "there is only one interpretation of the bible, but there can be many applications". This verse, for me, falls into the "many applications" portion, and always has. Clearly, a family in Jerusalem would have to worry about very cold (and in this case, snowy) winters, and this mom and wife is not afraid for her family because she has provided for them the clothing necessary to make it through these frigid conditions comfortably. And not only are they clothed in wool (v.13), but she makes them beautiful by dying them Scarlet, or deep red. So, yes, the interpretation of this verse is literal - she takes care of their needs and cares about the quality and condition of her family's attire; however, the application for me, every time I have ever read this passage, even before I had children is about Jesus Christ.
I, rather, have read this verse as, "She doesn't fear in times of trouble because her family is covered by the blood of the Lamb". She has raised her children in the way that they should go. The law of God is written on their hearts and His statutes are their daily desire. What a great desire I have to say to my children some day, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity..." (1 Timothy 4:12). How great will it be to encourage and exhort our children to serve the Lord with boldness while they are young adults, because we took the time and care to ensure, while they were babes, that they were "covered in scarlet", the Scarlet of the Cross!
Oh mothers (and fathers), may we endeavor to encourage our children to be bold for Christ, at every age, and never let them be held back from doing what they believe God has called them to do or to be for His kingdom! Oh that our children would be a refreshing example to those who may have waxed cold over time. May our little ones stay firm in the Lord and grow up to confound those who might try to discredit them because of their age, because of their faith, purity and knowledge of spiritual and worldly things. May the Lord shine brighter and more pure in our children in order that more may come to know Him in the next generation than in any other before. Let us parents not grow weary in well-doing, but let us stay strong in the power of His might so that we may encourage and equip the next generation to be bold for Christ.
For now, at least for my household, it is still my responsibility to clothe them. My children are young and are not yet at that "age of accountability", but just as I wouldn't send them up to the mountains without shoes or jackets to fend off the winter weather alone and unprepared, neither will I send them into the world without the cloak of Christ guarding their little hearts and minds. There will come a day when they chose Whom they will serve and put Him on, with boldness and conviction, to serve Him with all their hearts, all their minds and all their strength!