Let’s Be Thankful for What We Have
I have been blessed with the opportunity of working with children for my working career. Along with this wonderful blessing, I also get to see many things that occur in the lives of children: Some of these things bring great happiness, while others can sometimes bring you to tears.
It is comforting to know that God has a special place in his kingdom for children:
Psalm 127: 3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
King David’s words are clear. One of the greatest blessings that can be bestowed upon us is the gift of children. We all share the opportunity of being a guide in the lives of children; we can help to mold their ways if we truly desire to do so.
God once again makes it crystal clear in the Book of Matthew how our dealings with children can affect His decision concerning where we might spend eternity:
Matthew 18: 1-7
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. “
“Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for Him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drown in the depth of the sea.”
“Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.”
God makes it clear that He wants every single child to get every opportunity possible to make a choice concerning Jesus. It is His intention that we must not interfere in any negative manner to lead children away from Christ.
Acceptance of Christ brings us into a new childhood, no matter what our earthly age might be. This new birth is explained with clarity in a scripture found in the Gospel of John:
John 1: 11-12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God!
This is what we have to be thankful for, being ‘born again’ of God! This gift is available for EVERYONE!
It should be the strongest driving force of your life; to take part in bringing others to the place where they become spritiually aware of this choice. The value is there for everyone, but especially important for every single child that has been brought into this world!
Please…take the time to enjoy the special time that Thanksgiving provides us with, and be thankful for having family come together to share this special day, but also, take the effort to use this gathering to give thanks to God for all the freedoms that still exist in our lives. Do not leave God out of this day, and perhaps the effort to mention our Lord on this day will bring another ‘Child of God’ into the kingdom.
God bless you all; please remember to share your blessing with the world on this special day. Spiritual food is every bit as tasty as that special dinner we all share.
