Ever given a thought to why Christ exhorts us not lead children astray? I have given a lot of thought to this and the more I think about it the more sense it makes to me. Children are innocent, trusting, loving with no pretense, sincere and honest in dealing with their friends and very loyal too. They are quick to forgive and ready to forget. They are pure and modest, caring and compassionate. Children do not think that anything is impossible for their parents. For them their parents are super heroes. Their faith is unflinching. They are committed, energetic, passionate and hopeful that whatever they undertake will turn out well, even if they are not sure how to get there. A child works hard at his or her play and has no care in the world so long as an adult is nearby. Here are few reasons I can think of why Christ stresses “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”. He further warns us: “Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk. 10:13-15). Do we, adults, have these qualities?
I am always fascinated at the sense of wonder and awe that I often observe in the faces of children when they play or undertake an adventure. For them time always come to a stand still. It is like they are always in search of adventure and when they find one they are awe struck by it. Children are inquisitive, they want to discover new things, to learn new ways of doing things and they are excited when they are acknowledged, appreciated and most of all they bloom when they are loved. Don’t you just love children?
Christ has very strong words for those who lead children astray. He says, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great milestone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things must come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” (Mt. 18:6-7). Hence, sins committed against children cry out to heaven for vengeance. When we lead children astray we steal from them their sense of innocence. We betray their trust and initiate them into a life of sin, of cheating, lying, stealing and finally killing.
Looking at the world with the eye of a child means embracing a life of wholeness and holiness. It means trusting God absolutely and depending on him entirely for our every need. It means working as if everything depends on us and praying for everything depends on God. It means opening our eyes to the wonder of creation and being awed by its awesomeness and immensity. It means being quick to forgive and being willing to forget the past. May we take no love for granted and embrace everyone as a child of God, thinking not of the color of their skin nor the language they speak. May we appreciate every gratitude we receive and acknowledge our daily blessings! This is how children, who are not corrupted by adults, see the world. Life has many lessons to teach us in children, let us learn these lessons and see the world through their own eyes! Hence the Lord says, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3-4).
I feel like a child when I new music to learn. It is something new and fun. And I am very grateful for the many blessings I have. I have been laid off from work over a year but have kept myself busy with my church and helping my friends and neighbors. We adults often act like children, playing in the snow, having fun at a picnic, etc. We must show our children how life can be so fulfilling with we act with love and kindness towards everyone.
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