Seeing Children As Jesus Does

-“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:5-6) Jesus made it clear the high esteem he holds children. If we didn’t get it he says it a little differently a little later when he says, “See to it that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (v.10) How are children seen in our culture? I think we see two extremes. The one is that they are utterly discarded and ignored. With the increase in cohabitation, out of wedlock births, divorce and abortion—all the way through the third trimester, child pornography and child abuse we can see that they are not given near the esteem that Jesus has for them. The other extreme is when we see children almost worshiped and given free reign. This is neglect of their need to be taught and prepared for adulthood. Both of these extremes will lead a child to sin. Do I see my children as Jesus does? I don’t think so. Dear Lord, open my eyes to see my children as you do and remind me of the awesome responsibility to be a father to them who will welcome them, model You to them and value them for who they are. In Your Name, Amen.