God's Welcome Mat

Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Matthew 18:5

In the introduction to his book, Too Small to Ignore, Dr. Wess Stafford shares a story about D.L. Moody, a leading 1800s evangelist. Late one evening Moody returned home from a speaking engagement and climbed into bed exhausted. His wife Emma asked, “So how did it go tonight?”

Moody was upbeat, reporting that there were two and a half converts. His wife pondered his response and asked, “How old was the child?”

“No, no, no,” Moody answered. “It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult’s life is already half-gone.”

D.L. Moody’s perspective on children and each page of Stafford’s must read book, point to God’s heart for children. Our Heavenly Father loves children, welcomes them into His presence, and deems them precious and a priority in His sight. [Our] Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14).

To make certain that we understand His heart for children and that He desires that none should perish, He gives a warning that should strike fear in the hearts of parents, children’s ministry volunteers, coaches, teachers, daycare providers, and all those who have children entrusted into their care. [Jesus said], “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). God’s word to us is clear: Children matter to Him!

He lays out the warning and also sets an example for us to follow. 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).

Roll out God’s welcome mat and let the children come to Him! Let them come to Jesus through the front door of your church and the backyard of your home. Keep the freezer packed with ice cream and your mouth ready with a welcoming word. Remind them often that they are loved by God and loved by you. Never miss an opportunity in season or out of season to heap blessings on their heads, to build them up, and to welcome them in the name of Jesus! For Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).

Faith Step

Spend your summer rolling out God’s welcome mat to children. Encourage and build up each child that crosses your path today.

Few gifts on earth are as wondrous as the love of a child. Advocates for children know deep in their hearts the truth of the saying, “You never stand so tall as when you stoop to help a child.”

Dr. Wess Stafford