KINGDOM FOR KIDS

I just got back from leading worship at a ‘mini’ kid’s camp. Although short, we had a great time. I used a band made up of students to minister to students. “Da Band”, as was dubbed, helped connect & encourage these young hearts to lift worship to God.

Beyond the worship leading, camp involves hugging kids, encouraging them & sharing God’s love. The behavior & issues some kids bring to camp mirrors the problems that exist in their homes. Several of these students are involved from time to time in our church’s children’s ministry. I’ve seen them in Awana, VBS, Upward, or other children’s activities. I know them & the hurts they have.

While some wouldn’t dream of spending hours dealing with kids, I love them. Sure they’re annoying at times. Making kids wash the ‘nasty’ off their bodies everyday (‘no, the swimming pool doesn’t count’) brushing their teeth, changing clothes, stop torturing other kids etc, doesn’t top my list of favorite things to do. The good far outweighs the bad.

What does top my list is hearing the innocent hearts sing out to worship God. Another thing right at the top is seeing these kids give their lives to Christ. If we simply fix on all the problems & headaches associated with kids we’ll never get to the important stuff, seeing God change their lives.

I understand that they may not know ALL about serving & following Christ, but truth be told, sometimes they get it better than we do! They don’t rationalize & theorize about scripture & all the ramifications involved in really doing what God says & believing Him. They just do it. That’s probably why Jesus scolded the disciples when they were forbidding the children from coming to Christ. After all, the Master had far more important things to do that mess with kids! “Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt. 19:14

Jesus reminded his leaders that the Kingdom of God is made up of those who have child-like faith. Drop all the excuses & reasoning for not following after God & believing him & just do it. Be a kid!

You may not feel the call or importance in investing in the lives of kids. I do challenge you to encourage kids anytime you can. There’s simply not enough of that. It will bless them & you.

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-9376