I believe children are one of the world’s most valuable treasures. I know it doesn’t really matter what I think, but the Creator of the universe seems to think so[1], and so must those of us who are Christians.
In Mark 9:36-37, Jesus gives us a real life demonstration of how He feels about children. While doing some intensive training with his 12 disciples—those closest to Him who were to carry on His work—Jesus draws a child to himself and says,
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…”
Those of us who are disciples of Jesus need to understand the implications of this lesson. For those who profess Christianity, our sole purpose in living is to glorify God—to worship Him in everything that we do. (I Corinthians 10:31)
So when Jesus overtly illustrates how we can worship Him—in how we love children and invite them to Himself—we ought to sit up and take notice. And then take action. Especially because Jesus was pointedly showing us how deeply He values children in a time and place where children were regarded as slightly more valuable than slaves.
Jesus knew this lesson was important then, and that it would be no less important today.
If the chief end of man is to worship God, then Satan’s chief agenda is to rob God of glory by destroying His worshippers.
And who are the most vulnerable among us? Children. Just take a look at our culture; exploitation, abuse and the destruction of what I like to call “tiny worshipers” is vividly displayed everywhere you look.
2/3 of all people who embrace Jesus do so before 18 years of age. When we consider this truth in light of what Jesus says about His love for children and the dark Satanic agenda, it becomes obvious that God’s littlest worshippers are Satan’s biggest targets. Destroying a child before they come to know Jesus means it is less likely that they will embrace Him as an adult.
There are so many dark, devious ways that Satan attacks those who are most vulnerable, yet extremely precious to Jesus. And that’s why He so vividly demonstrated such a powerful love for children. Such an endearing love that he actually stopped everything in order to pay attention and speak up for the little ones. For His glory, and for their protection.
As a former child abuse chief prosecutor, I’m painfully aware of the horrific statistics of crimes against children. There are a million dark corners and evil strategies being employed by the evil one to attack these precious tiny God worshipers.
Jesus, in His divine brilliance, gave us the answer before we even knew we would be forming the words to the question.
We worship Him in how we welcome, love, and protect the children. If our love for God is demonstrated this way, it ought to convict and propel every Christian from every nation to expend ourselves for children rejoicing that we do so worshipping our great and gracious God.
You might also enjoy reading:
- Why children?
- Who likes Sunday School?
- Sexual assault of children and the church
- Behind the Scenes: creating the Bible App for Kids
- What 3 things help make teens spiritually vibrant?