Welcoming the Children

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. -Matthew 19:13-15

“No children please.” I stared at the invitation to the party that had arrived in the mail. The gathering was intended to bring young couples together for fellowship and a time of encouragement. Refreshments would be served along with a period of spiritual devotions. But the warning on the invitation came through loud and clear: don’t bring the kids.

In defense of those who put on events such as this and others that we have been invited to over the years, I concede that there will be instances where bringing the children along would not be conducive to what the organizers of the gathering hope to accomplish. Parents very much need to be ministered to and spiritually fed without simultaneously having to tend to the needs of their little ones. The result will be improved effectiveness in relating to their children’s needs.

However, the words on the invitation would not leave my thoughts. “No children please.” On numerous occasions the younger families of our congregation have met periodically in someone’s home for a potluck supper. Rarely was there a program or structured activities. The gathering was simply a time in which everyone came together and enjoyed one another’s company. After the meal the men would assemble in one room to discuss sports, and the women gathered in the kitchen and talked about whatever it is that women discuss as a group (I’m still out of the loop on this one), and the kids gathered in the backyard to throw a ball around or play some other games. Children were never excluded from these events. The intention was to encourage families and build relationships, and the kids were certainly meant to be involved.

The reality is that many people in the world do not want to be around children. Some of them are actually parents themselves. They find children to be messy, loud, bothersome, and irritating. Some couples have opted not to bring children into the world for all of these reasons and more. Children are expensive and time consuming. They can wear on your nerves and bring a perfectly sane person to the breaking point. Being a parent is a lifetime commitment. As parents we will always be connected in some way to our children. This truth is reinforced each time I pick up the phone to call my parents for their advice on some problem. At 48 years of age I still very much need and want them to be a part of my life.

I confess that I once had serious reservations about the wisdom of bringing children into the world. Once God gave them to us and they were constantly underfoot, making messes, and asking me for money, I would sometimes reflect on how much easier life would have been without them. But after 22 years into this adventure of being a parent I cannot imagine life without them. All three are unique, with differing personalities, strengths, and talents. Has it been easy? Of course not, but I have every reason to believe my sons are going to grow up to be fine, outstanding men who will accomplish great things.

here is something else to consider in regard to peoples’ feelings towards kids: the Lord Jesus truly loved them. He had a special place in His heart for them, and He was not averse to taking a child in His arms and gently embracing him or her and offering a prayer of blessing. We teach the little ones to sing, “Jesus loves the little children,” and truer words were never spoken. The Lord did not mind being in the presence of children. Let us also make sure that our homes and churches are places where "these the least of our brethren" are always welcome. May we reach out to the children and love them in Jesus' name.

(From, "The Invitation: Embracing a Happier Life," by Dan Birchfield, copyright 2009)