Not Yours, But You

2 Cor 12:14

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

KJV

Whosoever lies awaiting for the day when their children (or those within their charge) become so increased that they will repay them with material possessions for the services of rearing them, grossly misunderstands what the apostle suggests here about parental responsibilities: “For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.” To be clear, expressions of appreciation, gifts, honor, money and service ought not be neglected in giving honor to those who have labored in rearing the lives of future men and women (natural and spiritual). Yet and still, the belief that children owe (as debt) some measurable, material return to them who the Lord has charged with the responsibility to care for, nurture, make provision for, teach and train for their own lives and future families is not consistent with God’s expectations. For such a responsibility (though perhaps lessened in degrees as children take their place as mature men and women, naturally and spiritually) is never rescinded in the eyes of God. For much like God the Father, when one seeks the welfare of sons and daughters, it is forever, because their attitudes are that we desire, “not yours, but you.”

[A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.] Proverbs 13:22