Children are a gift from the Lord. Whether you are a parent or not, you most likely have children in your life. Maybe you are a Sunday school teacher, school teacher, nursery worker, coach, aunt, uncle, the list goes on and on. We are truly blessed when children come into our lives, no matter what avenue they arrive. Children are very loving, forgiving, accepting, impressionable and vulnerable.
The current situation our world is in right now, is sure to be at the very least, quite confusing for our children. Many have transitioned into remote learning, and the relationships with their teachers and classmates halted, some without any warning. There was no end of year field trips, parties, celebration of achievements, or “closure” which the last few weeks of school provides. Even though we are no strangers to disappointment, our children are experiencing a type of disappointment most of us have not experienced. How do they begin to process this? Where are they looking for answers?
Just because children are small, does not mean their feelings are small, or they are any less justified. Their information, and how they perceive what is going on in this crazy world is dictated by the adults around them. We need to do our best to reflect an attitude of faith. Our children do not need long drawn out explanations of what is going on. They need to be reassured by our faith, and encouraged to lean on theirs! “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
There is a fine line between acknowledging a child’s fears and reassuring them God is in control. We need to address it carefully and thoughtfully. It is normal to have fears, questions and anxiety, but what we do with it, is the important part. We need to acknowledge it exists, and ask the Lord to help us in this time of need. Children are not looking for deep theological answers, so don’t be intimidated to talk to them! Reassure them by responding in faith, showing them love, and pointing them to His promises! “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him” Nahum 1:7. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
It isn’t any coincidence Jesus references childlike faith as in Matthew 18:1-6 “…calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven...” Children are important to Jesus, and they are important to us, and our church! Children are a gift! Let’s join together to pray for our children, their growing faith, and that our response to them would be nothing short of Christ’s love, and His expectations.
