The Oxford English dictionary defines child as:
A young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority (the age where a young person legally becomes an adult and is expected to bear responsibilities – in many nations it begins at 18 years, although it varies in a few others)
In many cultures of the world, children are not considered as important and will not be included in most important activities. This may be what informed the disciples’ decision to send the children away whose mothers had brought them to Jesus for blessing as we see in the Scripture below:
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. Matt. 19:13-15
It is of great concern to note that even in Christian circles, it is not uncommon to see children being relegated to positions of insignificance especially where there are benefits! When the disciples asked Jesus who was greatest in the Kingdom of God, He had the following illustration:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt. 18:1-6
Man’s perception of greatness is very different from God’s. Whereas man is often attracted by pomp, opulence, fame, popularity and affluence, God is more attracted to the childlike (not childish) qualities of simplicity, humility, trust, faith, obedience to Him and an unassuming nature. As God’s children it is wise to follow the Master’s advice in being childlike and also teaching children His ways because according to 1 Jn. 2:17, at the end of the day,
…the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.’
Prayer
Help us Lord to give the next generation the priority attention they need by directing them to You at an early age. In the midst of all that the world has to offer, help us also to live our lives in such a way as to dwell on things of eternal value and impress the same on them as well.
