Leading the Little Ones to Jesus
In Matthew 10 and 18, Jesus addressed the responsibility of the disciples to the "little ones." Have you ever thought about your responsibility to the children of the world today? Children need to hear the words of Jesus. Children also need to have the ears to hear. Children need to see Jesus in our lives. Children also need to have the eyes to see. Who has the responsibility to reach them?
In Ephesians 6:4 Paul encourages parents to train them and teach them what is right. However, the entire community is responsible for teaching children and training them. Scriptures like Proverbs 22:6 and Deuteronomy 6:6-8 reminds us that our children have to hear the commands if they will ever obey them.
How did children learn the 10 commands in the OT? Their parents made them listen. They also made them write down the commands of God. I have heard people say they "can't make their kids do anything." What a sad commentary on the home and the rebellion of children! Both parents and children need to spend more time in the Word of God.
Are you chasing your children or are leading them? Maybe we could take some time to teach them at the supper table each night. When we talk about the commands of God when we are at home, and not just in church or Bible class, it gives them purpose and practicality. Turn off the television and talk about God, or at least listen for His name on television or godly principles and discuss them together. If you hear bad things about God talk about those things too. Use teachable moments.
Do your children hear you talking about God? When we are sitting at home, in the car, at work, in the yard, etc. we should talk about God. Use something there to talk about Him (i.e. stars, rocks, trees, sky, building, etc.). Find common illustrations to show how much God loves them. We should show interest about God in front of our children, and speak about Him often. God must not be a stranger in our home!
When should we teach our children? The fields are white to harvest (John 4:32) and our children are ready to learn. Businesses have mission statements and vision statements. We need these for our homes, and maybe for each child. Let the child choose Bible passage. Then make a plaque or a poster and place it in the home. Imagine what this could do for the family, and it’s a teaching tool.
What Bible passages do you have displayed around the home? A really good one for the family would be Joshua 24:15. Don't hesitate to display Bibles in your home or Christian literature. Put up pictures of spiritual things and use them for teachable moments.
How can you teach during worship or Bible class? What happens when you are passing the Lord’s Supper, the collection, or the preacher says something that confuses the child? Stop and listen to their questions. During the Lord’s Supper, if your child asks what it is for, stop and explain what each emblem symbolizes. During the collection, if your child refuses to place coins in the plate, stop and explain why we give. During the preaching, if your child asks a question stop and answer him/her. That is valuable time you can't get back.
Think about what you are doing to lead the little ones. Make this a great week! I hope and pray that God blesses you abundantly!