| |
How do you think Jesus reacted when he was around children? I image he
demonstrated kindness, gentleness, and patience. I think he laughed
with the children and joined in their little games. I picture him
kneeling down to their level, asking about their family and pets, and
listening to their simple answers.
We get a glimpse of Jesus and the little children in Matthew 19:13-14.
“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands
on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those ho brought
them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
(Matthew 19:13-14)
It is easy to be hard on the disciples for trying to shoo away the
children. Evidently they sensed the urgency of the moment – it was only
a few days or weeks before the crucifixion would take place - and felt
that Christ’s time could be better spent teaching adults or healing the
sick.
But what about today? Some parents go days without any meaningful time
spent with the their children. It’s not that they don’t see them
everyday, it’s just that there never seems to be time to play games,
read books, or just listen to what they have to say.
Television should never become a substitute for family time. Parents
may find it easy to set the children down in front of the tube so they
can get some work done, but the end result is more harmful to their
children then they likely realize.
Some studies show that ANY television viewing by children under 2 1/2
years of age is unwise. That is because the nerve patterns in the
brains of very young children are still being formed and the fast image
changes of a television screen short circuits the mental development.
And yet one study found that there is a television in the room of 26
percent of babies. In addition, 37% of all homes keep the television on
even when no one is watching. Sadly, the study points out that children
who are constantly exposed to TV are more likely to develop attention
deficient disorders and to have learning problems.
It has long been shown that reading to child helps to develop that
child’s mental capacities. Playing with a child helps the child to
develop trust and problem solving ability. Eating together develops
security and foster communication skills. Worshipping as a family
develops moral character and religious faith.
Jesus took time for children – and they weren’t even His children. Here
another lesson for us all! We are to bless all children – not just our
own.
That is why churches must always be child-centered. What is the greatest
job in the church? Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a little child like
this in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5)
Paul Jetter, Upper Valley Community Church |
|
