Jesus loves the little children - and so should we
- Apr 16, 2008 - 1
“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Every color, every race, all are covered by His grace; Jesus loves the little children of the world” (1991 Baptist Hymnal).
The words to this hymn “Jesus Loves the Little Children” are no doubt etched in the minds of everyone who grew up in a Baptist church. And if these words don’t convince you that children are important to Jesus, read these words from Mark 10:13-16 (HCSB).
“Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.”
There were some headlines across the nation last week about children that undoubtedly broke Jesus’ heart.
Several news sources told the story of a group of third graders (ages 8-10 years old) in Waycross, Ga., who hatched a plan that could have harmed their teacher.
According to news reports as many as nine third graders planned to attack their teacher at Waycross Elementary School. Why? The day before, according to reports, the teacher scolded a girl for standing on a chair.
According to accounts, the police seized a broken steak knife, a chunk of glass, duct tape, and other items. The police chief told news media that the students apparently planned to knock the teacher unconscious, bind her with the duct tape and toy handcuffs, and then stab her with the knife.
Harmless prank? I think not. At least the police don’t think so. Three of those involved — two girls and a boy — are facing multiple juvenile charges of “conspiracy, possession, and aggravated assault.” Keep in mind these are third grade kids, not teenagers or adults.
Shortly after that story came out, it appears that another group of kids, fifth graders, ages 10-12, tried to poison their teacher at Carver Elementary School in Dawson, Ga., in February by putting Tylenol in her drink. While police admit the Tylenol probably would not have made the teacher sick, the intent was malicious and the act was criminal, WALB News reported. All four girls were charged with aggravated assault.
And don’t think this only happens in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, or any other state. It has happened in Tennessee.
Just last week I learned that a girl in a local elementary school had threatened to kill her teacher and authorities had to be called to the school which is located in Middle Tennessee, not outer Mongolia.
We are talking about children — kids who should be more concerned about baseball, dolls, parts in the school play, dance recitals, etc. Anything, but the violence which is being played out in their lives.
Why is this happening?
Part of the problem can be laid at the foot of television. There is no telling what these kids have seen on TV in regard to violence. Actually, they don’t even have to watch “fiction.” News reports are given every day where people show total disregard for the sanctity of human life. I can’t lay the entire blame on television.
I grew up in an era where Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner could order bombs or some other device from ACME so they could blow up Elmer Fudd or Wile E. Coyote, or whoever else was trying to catch the cartoon star. We knew that was make-believe and could not happen.
I’m not sure children today can separate make-believe from reality, especially when you throw video games into the mix.
My generation didn’t have video games. “Pong” came along when I was in my late teen years. Playing ping pong on the television screen pales in comparison to what kids have now. There are some video games where the violence is so graphic that it appears real. In fact, the object of many video games is to “kill” the opponent. No wonder kids are carrying that mentality over into the classroom. They simply cannot distinguish between reality and non-reality.
The line between the two is blurred.
And who can blame just the kids. Many adults cannot even distinguish between reality and make-believe any more.
The majority of the blame has to be placed at the feet of adults (parents, guardians, grandparents, etc.).
In the cases cited, it is apparent these kids have had little discipline and few, if any, positive role models in their life.
I heard a heart-breaking story last week. A little boy told his teacher he wanted to be a “stealer” when he grew up. Confused, she asked if he wanted to be a football player (Pittsburgh Steeler). The boy replied, “No, my dad is in prison for stealing cars and I want to be like him.”
As Christians, can we make a difference in that boy’s life and others like him?
Yes — by getting out in the world — teaching or volunteering in public schools, coaching Little League baseball, being involved in the community.
We can’t be role models at every troubled child’s home, but we can be positive influences in other areas of their lives.
Find ways to get these kids in church or a church-related activity such as Vacation Bible School or Backyard Bible Clubs. Think of a ministry that specifically targets children such as after school care programs.
We have to put ourselves in position where these children (and adults) can see Jesus in us through our daily, routine activities.
Talking the talk is not enough, especially when it comes to children. Jesus made it plain — He loves the little children, and, without a doubt, He expects us to love them as well — and not just those who attend our churches.
Make a difference in a child’s life, so we won’t be reading about third graders trying to kill or harm their teachers. Our world’s future depends on today’s children. They will be tomorrow’s leaders.
This article is reprinted from the April 9, 2008, issue of the Baptist & Reflector, the newsjournal of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
1 comments (post your own) feed
1 On Apr 17th, 2008, at 10:05am, Dan Valdes wrote:
Lonnie Wilkey says “As Christians, can we make a difference in that boy’s life and others like him?
Yes — by getting out in the world — teaching or volunteering in public schools, coaching Little League baseball, being involved in the community.”
I say AMEN to that! Being involved is the best way to activate change in our world. Do EVERYTHING you can to mentor and be positive for children. It’s always a good investment.