“Jesus said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:14b-16, NIV).
Most of us are somewhat familiar with the way Jesus called children to Him. At first, his disciples were indignant, thinking that mere children were a bother, an interference in the work of Jesus.
But Jesus set them straight. He taught the adults, that if they could muster the faith of a child, that is, from an innocent perspective, then it would be so much easier for adults to escape the trappings and distractions of the world, so that they could concentrate more on the world to come.
A couple of weeks ago our church presented VBS (Vacation Bible School). And kids were swarming everywhere! They enjoyed crafts, skits, and most of all, learning who God created them to be! Learning their purpose in life from the Master Creator. It was wonderful!
Even in the Old Testament, we find children mentioned in one of the most important prayers in Deuteronomy 6:6-7says,
“6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
We must never lose focus on the fact that in some way, shape, or fashion, some child somewhere is looking at YOU, ME… US, as an example of how to shape their own lives. It may be your own children. It may be someone else’s children. It may not even be a child you know, just a kid that crosses your path from time to time.
But they’re watching. Always watching. Wanting to be like YOU! So the question is… WHO DO THEY SEE? Do they see someone that is “impressing them” toward Godly virtues? Or do they see someone that leads them toward the temporary satisfactions of this world, cultural dysfunctions, and chaos where nothing is guaranteed?
We ALL have a Godly responsibility for our children. We are accountable for letting them see Jesus through our actions and our love. Though we are not perfect, we must demonstrate our drive toward Christ, and in the process, our collective kids will see the BEST that GOD HAS TO OFFER through us, that is, His forgiveness, grace, and love. May we all rise to this challenge, helping each other get there, by the grace of God and the power of Jesus Christ.
David McCall
Executive Pastor
