I am preaching to the converted when I say that we are all born with a love for sin. This manifests itself from our youngest days. We see it in the lives of children; we know it is true in our own life. Nevertheless, when we are young our hearts have not yet been hardened by years of exposure to sin, and indulgence in sinful practices. The hearts of the young are generally more open to Gospel truth. Young people are captivated by the knowledge that there is a God who made all things and takes an interest in their lives. They are full of questions as they learn about creation and great Biblical events like the flood, the exodus, and the life of Jesus.
What a thrill it was to stand before a handful of children from non-Christian homes and explain the Bible to them at the kids club. There can be no greater honour bestowed upon a human being than to share God’s precious Word with fellow needy sinners. It is a privilege that belongs to us all. Let me give two exhortations to encourage us with regards to ministering to children:
- Do not neglect family devotions, particularly if you have children in your home. The privilege of sharing the Gospel is yours every night! What a wonderful thing it is if after the evening meal a family pauses to reflect upon scripture. Christianity is not just a church thing; it is not just a Sunday thing. The Word of God should be central to our lives as families. Deut 6:6-9, “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
- Let us begin to prepare for the next kids club by praying earnestly and planning diligently. If one child comes from a non-Christian home it has been well worth the effort. Even if after years of running kids club we haven’t seen a convert, it has still been worth the effort. Ours is to be faithful and serve the Lord, the fruit is in His hands. By the grace of God we will plant seeds, some of which may sprout elsewhere. Some of which however may sprout in our midst. God has placed us where He has for a purpose, surely it is to labour in this corner of the vineyard and touch the lives of those around us. Luke 18:15-17, “Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”