‘Let the little children come to Me.’ Mark 10:14 NIV

Can you imagine how these children felt when Jesus rebuked His own disciples for pushing them away, and said, ‘Come to Me’? How many destinies were changed that day because He loved these little ones and took time for them? He gave them something every child needs and deserves—self-worth and the dignity of their own thoughts and opinions. When you listen to me, it means that what I say matters. And more importantly, I matter to you.

After years spent hearing words like, ‘Don’t bother me… Shut up!… I don’t have time,’ something important in a child begins to die—creativity and confidence. Can you imagine facing life without those qualities? You say, ‘But I’m so busy.’ That may be so, but you’re certainly not busier than Jesus, and He made time for children.

Parent, are you listening? The pressure is on. Today many children commit adult crimes. And, generally speaking, when we study them we find that because they never learned how to express their emotions in constructive ways, they end up behaving destructively! As a child he took a hammer and pounded his toy to pieces; now as a man he drives his fist through walls. His shirt size has changed, but the messages inside his head are still the same—nobody listens, nobody understands, nobody cares. This is serious business. If you think we’re making too much out of too little—think again. If children are wanting your attention, give them time. Do it right and you’ll live with wonderful memories. Do it wrong and you’ll live with regrets.

SoulFood: Job 8–10, Luke 17:1–10, Ps 115, Pro 8:1–3

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©