Articles
Two Tales of One Child
Two Tales of One Child
He was a smiling, energetic little boy with a gleam in his eye and big dreams in his heart. But, there was no one to mentor, inspire, challenge, mold, guide, and encourage him. He knew nothing of his potential or opportunities. He was ignored, if not put down. Listlessly, he drifted along. Ultimately, along the way, those with dishonorable, self-serving objectives, saw in him the perfect pawn for their untoward plans. He was initiated into crimes and misdemeanors (if only ethically and morally), growing more expert and hardened in them over time. Once the raw material for greatness, this rudderless ship not only ran himself aground but recruited other rudderless ships, once potentially productive and positive like himself.
He was a smiling, energetic little boy with a gleam in his eye and big dreams in his heart. But, there were mentors to inspire, challenge, mold, guide, and encourage him. He became driven and determined to make use of his potential and became productive and a positive force in this world. Not only was he wildly successful, but he found others to discover their direction and dreams.
No, I am not telling the story of one child. This is the composite of every child. Children come into this world in complete innocence, a clean slate whose story is written with the help of the influences each one encounters. What a powerful stewardship we have been entrusted with. While our primary charges are those children born to our own homes (Proverbs 22:6), how short-sighted to end our mission just there. In Matthew 18, Jesus turns our focus on little children. He says to become like them, receive them, protect them, and not despise them. How are you doing in your stewardship? As you look into the sweet faces of the young and influential, do you see your legacy and your influence for good in them? Do not ignore them or leave them to someone else. Lead the little ones to Jesus.
