Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 28, 2011
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42
Parents and other adults in authority are morally responsible to protect children. If grown people neglect or excuse their righteous role it is an offense that Jesus does not take lightly. This faithless infraction brings out an intense consequence that is worse than being drowned in the depths of the sea. Indeed, watchfulness over little ones is huge to God.
It is worse than scandalous for those who uplift the name of Christ to use their position of influence to inflict emotional, physical, spiritual or sexual abuse on children. A warped affection causes hurt to an adolescent’s heart that may take a lifetime to heal. Offenders invite judgment in this life and the life to come that no man or woman can conceive. Thus, look out for the children that come into your life—look for ways to give them life.
“Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:9-10).
Are you cautious with whom you leave your child? Or are you aware of another child who may be at risk and needs you as an advocate to step up to the authorities on their behalf? The sin of omission can cause more harm than the sin of commission. Non-action encourages offenders to extend their predatory practices to other innocent children.
Children are a gift from Almighty God in need of care by affectionate adults. Their hearts are tender for truth and their minds are moist and ready to be molded by men and women with moral authority. Pray over your circle of influence: children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, a classmate of your child, a foster child or an orphan. Become the answer to their prayers and protect a little one with your loving presence. Love protects.
It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
Protection is a prerequisite for being a responsible parent. It is implied in the job description of any adult with influence over little ones. You are Christ’s representative who safeguards, shields, defends, shelters, keeps and guards God’s children. Your role is to lead a child into the loving arms of Jesus and to avoid sinful stumbling. You are a child’s opportunity to see Christ in flesh and blood. So, let them see Jesus in you.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 3:13-14; Judges 13:5-7; Acts 2:39; 1 Timothy 3:12
Additional Resource: eBooks- Wisdom for Fathers, Wisdom For Mothers, Wisdom for Graduates, Infusion, Seeking Daily the Heart of God and Seeking God in the Psalms… click here: http://bit.ly/jHlNX0 All titles also available from the iBook store for iPad
Additional Resource: Printed copy of the 365 day devotional: Seeking Daily the Heart of God and the 90-day devotional books Infusion and Seeking God in the Psalms… click here: http://bit.ly/bQHNIE
Support Wisdom Hunters: Learn how you can help us reach other Wisdom Hunters with your monthly donation… click here: http://wisdomhunters.com/support-wh/
