February 17 ~ Matthew 19:13
Some people brought their children to Jesus, so that he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who knows me very well knows I love children. I am a mother to none and an “aunt” to dozens. If you don’t see the importance of loving and nurturing children, read this passage again.
Just lately, our great-nephew, Timmy, has learned to pull up on things, especially his crib rail. Each time he does this, he grins, growls and squeals – so proud of himself for this accomplishment. Frankly, I didn’t see it the same way at first… now the crib is not longer the safe haven I used when I needed to confine him. Soon enough he will learn to crawl over the rail and hit (hopefully not literally) the floor! My husband and I looked at each other recently and agreed… “Things just got a whole lot more complicated and challenging with this baby now that he is mobile!”
After watching Timmy for a while and seeing his delight, excitement and enthusiasm for learning these new things – and practicing them – I have a different attitude. He is growing and expressing his independence… and he takes great delight in each accomplishment. He has no clue that they pose more challenges for the adults who chase him – or that they involve risks and possible bumps and bruises along the way. He is absorbing each new thing like a sponge. The flip side of this is that he also absorbs our “vibes.” If you think a small child doesn’t sense your feelings, tension, frustration, and anger, you are dead wrong. And over time, these emotions can change a child’s spirit – if not squelch it completely. I have seen five-year-olds enter kindergarten with a spirit that has already been crushed by negative influences in their lives, and this is a sad, sad thing.
Spiritually, we all start out as children. We are eager, enthusiastic, and excited, and soaking up God’s word and His promises like a sponge. Sadly, it doesn’t take very long for Satan to move in and use those around us to try to squelch this. He may even be using you and me to do this to others. If we have a negative attitude… if we are less than enthusiastic about our faith or always discouraged about how God doesn’t seem to be working in our lives, Christian “children” will notice… and it will matter.
Our challenge is not to tamp down the excitement and enthusiasm of new Christians – or children. Our responsibility is to open our arms, just as Jesus did and pray for them… love, encourage and nurture them… and build them up in their new discoveries. We were all children once – physically and Spiritually. Think about how you were nurtured and who encouraged you. Thank God for loving “aunts” and “uncles” in your life and mentors who helped you to grow in your faith… and ask Him to show you how to do this for others.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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