Lessons Learned From Little Children

Like most preachers, I receive notes, letters, and drawings from children.  Most are very sweet, cute, and encouraging.  However, I’ve never received any notes quite like the ones compiled by this unknown author.  Supposedly these are actual letters written by children to the preacher.

Dear Preacher, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won’t be there. Stephen. Age 8, ChicagoDear Preacher, I hope to go to heaven someday. But later than sooner. Love, Ellen, age 9. Athens

Dear Preacher, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God’s help or a new pitcher. Thank you. Alexander. Age 10, Raleigh

Dear Preacher, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla. Age 10, Salina

Dear Preacher, liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished. Ralph, Age 11, Akron

Well, Ralph, a lot of adults agree with you on that one! Aren’t kids great!  They’re honest. Open. Transparent.

Last week my life was enriched by children as our Church Family engaged in Vacation Bible School.  I love VBS.  It reinforces the value of children.  They need to teach them.  To provide spiritual direction for them.

I’m reminded of an occasion when the people brought their children to Jesus.  Surprisingly the disciples rebuked the people.  Jesus, however, was displeased by their rebuff and reprimanded them saying, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 

It was customary for parents to bring their children to Rabbis for a blessing.  So, it is reasonable they would also come to Christ.  Jesus welcomed them.  While the disciples probably thought they were doing Him a favor by protecting His time and conserving His energy, they failed to consider the worth of children.  Children are important to Jesus.

There are several lessons here.  The children were brought to Jesus.  Who brought them?  We would assume the parents.  Moms and Dads, please bring your kids to Jesus.  Not Just VBS.  Give them an opportunity to know Jesus.  To learn of His Word.  To feel His love. To receive His blessings.

But here are four things adults can also learn from children.

Humility.  When they were arguing over who will be the greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus used a child as an example.  He said, “you must be like this child.”  (Matt 18:1-5).  “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.”

Dependance.  Children need their parents.  For food. Shelter.  Protection. Support.  In the same way, we need our Heavenly Father.  He supplies our daily bread.  He sent Jesus to point the way.  He will supply our every need (Phil. 4:19).

Trust.  Child-like trust is a proverb.  In fact, we worry that sometimes children are too trusting.  Unfortunately, in a day when evil people would harm children, they must be warned to be careful.  Fortunately, we can trust our Father 100% of the time.  With Him, we never have to fear.  Or worry. Or be anxious.

Eagerness to Learn.  VBS always reminds me how excited kids are to learn.  They raise their hands and want to be called on.  They are excited. Alert.  Enthused.  Oh, to be like a child!  Never let your excitement for God and His Word grow stale.

Jesus offers a serious and severe warning to anyone who would cause a child to be spiritually harmed (Matt 18:6-7).  Don’t neglect the children.  Or hurt them by a bad example.  Or wound their conscience. Or crush their spirit.

When you see kids running around your church building.  Laughing. Talking. Giggling. Playing?  What do you see?  I see tomorrow’s leaders. Elders. Deacons. Preachers. Bible Class teachers. And godly wives and mothers.

Remember: Jesus loves the little children!  Bring the children to Jesus! After all, you just might learn something yourself!

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman