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Day 54 Matthew 19:13 Matthew 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. People tend to dismiss children as unimportant and naïve, until they do or say something that brings your attention to them. Everyday you hear about a child doing something instrumental to the welfare of those they love, saving their parents’ lives, playing a musical instrument, even singing on a talent show, with the results that those who see and hear them are totally amazed by them. Even the disciples were ready to dismiss them as unimportant. However, Jesus showed them, children were more important to the kingdom of God than adults because of their innocence and their ability to love unconditionally. The disciples hadn’t yet learned the lesson Jesus presented to them just a short time before. Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. (KJV) Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (KJV) As Christians, all people are important to God, but children hold the greater value because no one has corrupted their innocence yet and turned them away from knowing him as Savior and Lord. Many children accept Jesus as Savior and Lord at young ages. You need to guard their innocence and teach them the truth about God and Jesus Christ, his Son. Then they will grow to be unstoppable for the kingdom of God. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV) Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (KJV) Value your children. Teach them the love of Jesus Christ. Don’t take their innocence from them. Listen to them and hear the profound things they say. Psalm 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou might still the enemy and the avenger. Children are important. So important, Jesus said we are to be like them. Let’s pray: Father, help me have the innocence of a child when it comes to your kingdom. Let me learn from children the most important lessons of life – unselfish love and acceptance. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 12 June 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay