A Summer Assignment
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
The Barna Group did a nationwide survey asking adults which, if any, of eight behaviors with moral overtones they have engaged in during the past week. The most startling of all the information gathered came from the adults under age 25 who were more than twice as likely as all other adults to engage in behaviors that ignored traditional morality.
Barna reports that “two-thirds of the under-25 segment (64%) had used profanity in public, in comparison to one out of five Boomers (19%), they were nine times more likely than were Boomers to have engaged in sex outside of marriage (38% vs. 4%), six times more likely to have lied (37% vs. 6%), almost three times more likely to have gotten drunk (25% vs. 9%) and to have gossiped (26% vs. 10%), and twice as likely as Boomers to have observed pornography (33% vs. 16%) and to have engaged in acts of retaliation (12% vs. 5%).”
George Barna wrote, “The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances.”
What’s true in our North American culture was also true for the people of Israel during the time of the judges. When Hannah was dedicating her son Samuel to the house of the LORD at Shiloh for his whole life to be given over to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:21-28), the sons of Eli the priest had no regard for the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). They treated the LORD’s offering with contempt (1 Samuel 2:17), slept with the women who served at the sanctuary (1 Samuel 2:22), and refused to listen to a thing that their father said (1 Samuel 2:25).
Yet, Samuel, who was growing up within this wicked moral environment, continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men (1 Samuel 2:26).
In Samuel’s story lies hope for parents, grandparents, GEMS counselors, and all those involved in children’s ministry. God kept Samuel pure through parents who loved him and prayed for him. Jesus deeply loves children. He took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them (Mark 10:16) and He’s assigned angels in heaven to watch over these little ones (Matthew 18:10).
Although the GEMS season is wrapping up, continue to be an advocate for children through your love and prayers! We must not check out for the summer. There are lambs to feed (John 21:15), and children to welcome in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:37).
Passion Step
Ask God to show you His assignment for how you can continue to disciple children this summer.
Children deserve to know that they are valued, that they matter, and most important, that they matter to Jesus!
Dr. Wess Stafford
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