By GFI Board Member, Nancy Pettit
My purpose or calling from God has been to love and work with children. The development of the body, mind, and soul of children has always fascinated me. Jesus loved children and taught the value and dignity of young, precious life. He truly had regard for the weak and vulnerable in the culture. In fact, Jesus had to rebuke the disciples for treating kids as second-class citizens. Mark 10:13-16 describes the encounter:
“And they were bringing children to him (Jesus) that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Like Jesus, we adult Christians need to stand up for the dignity and value of children in our decaying culture that rejects a Biblical worldview. Here are some of the attitudes and policies hurting our kids: abortion, child pornography, sex trafficking of minors, increased illegal drug sales, extreme COVID school restrictions, sex education in early grades, addictive social media paradigms, life-altering transgender surgeries on minors, and increasing national debt for future generations.
Did you notice Jesus was indignant at the way the children were treated in the culture? Like Jesus, take the time to stand up and advocate for children. Push against the evil policies that harm young ones. They are helpless, needy, dependent, and not mature about life. Be the adult in the room and protect them from the evil, deceitful ways of selfish adults.
Lastly, teach the next generation. God’s ways and Word are part of the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20). Whether you are single or married, young or old, God has commissioned you to try to reach the next generation for Christ and His Kingdom. Like Jesus, take the time to disciple children. Teach them a Biblical worldview for all aspects of life. Help them to see God has made all things and is in charge of everything (Psalm 115:3). As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me…”