Matthew 18:3-6 (KJV) “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {4} Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. {5} And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. {6} But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

“I wonder what that silver…?” I was rushing to get my grass mowed before the storm hit. As the rain drops began to fall, I pushed the mower harder and faster. Suddenly there was a silver thing – actually, a bunch of silver things – on the ground in front of me. I only had time to think “I wonder what that silver…” before I passed over it, grinding and scattering it. Well, now I know. My key ring had fallen out of my pocket. Yes, I mowed my keys! We all, even preachers, do foolish things. It can be fixed, and more keys can be made. But it would have been better to have avoided the problem in the first place.

Parents work hard to give their children nice clothes, a good education, fine cars. We want them to have all the things we never had when we were their age. This is a noble thing, a good thing, for we should invest much in our children and grandchildren. Yet we must also remember that children need more than things – they need to be taught the things of God. Children need to be shown that love is greater than possessions. Children need to be shown how to love God first, and others second. They need to be shown that life has never been about “me first”. If life and love were to be selfish, the Creator would have never made us … nor would He have died for us. Jesus would have never taken the beating He took because He loves us and wants only the best for us. 

Your children are learning by the example you give them. If you have made material wealth the most important thing in your life, that’s exactly what you’re teaching your kids. If you’re driving your children to Church just to drop them offthen you’re teaching your kids that Church is for kids, and that attendance really doesn’t matter. When you decide to sleep in on Sunday rather than go with your children to Church you’re telling them that your needs are more important than God’s needs. When you cut someone off in traffic while cursing them, you’re teaching your children that you’re more important than anyone else. Whatever you do in front of your children, be it good or evil, you’re sowing seed that will one day bear either a sweet tasting fruit or a bitter weed. Your actions could lead your child to reject Christ as Savior, and what a terrible waste that would be! 

The key to your child’s prosperity is not how many toys you provide. The key to his or her prosperity is how they regard Jesus Christ. Do they know that they must humble themselves and come to Him for salvation? Do they know that there is no other name under Heaven whereby they must be saved (Acts 4:12)? Do they know that the only means of eternal life is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior (John 14:6)? Do they know that greatness in Heaven, which is forever, is not determined by earthly riches, but in submission to Jesus Christ? 

Jesus warned us that, if we offended one of these little ones, then we would be better off to hang a millstone around our necks and be drowned in the sea. Many people consider this a warning about future punishment, but I’ve always interpreted it in a different way. What you sow, you will reap. If you teach your children that Christ is nothing, that the Ten Commandments are useless, and that “me first” is best, your children will grow up believing what you’ve shown them. Many schools in America today have metal detectors at every door, lest a child bring a weapon to school. Teenage pregnancy is on the rise. Alcohol and drug use, coupled with carelessness, is causing many young people to go to an early grave. For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). 

What’s the solution, Beloved? Slow down, and take the time to lovingly tell your children about Jesus. Take them to Church this Sunday – and COME WITH THEM. When you come home after Church, discuss the sermon and lessons with them. Live that which you profess, live like Jesus expects His children to live. Be careful not to run over the key to your child’s eternal life. Oh, and by the way. If you’re reading this article and are not sure that you are saved yourself, take the time to get on your knees and invite Jesus Christ into your heart.  

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 10:11 (KJV)

Come join us at Riverview 798 Santa Fe Pike Columbia TN 

Sunday services 8:30 am, 11 am, 6 pm.