FCL Article: Father's Love Date:3/17/03

After all, they’re just kids!

by Alan Hardiman

In my twelve plus years as a children’s minister, I’ve often been asked, “Why do you spend so much time and effort on children’s ministry?” This is typically followed by the phrase, “After all, they’re just kids!” I’m so glad that Jesus doesn’t have this attitude. When the disciples rebuked the children for coming to Him, in Matthew 19, He said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” From this statement, I would suggest that there will be a lot of children in heaven. In fact, it will, I believe, be literally crawling with them. Imagine all of the innocent victims over the years of merciless kings, plagues, childhood diseases, and abortions. These children will all be in heaven; running, jumping, playing, and making lots of noise. Come to terms with this fact. It will make your eternity much more comfortable.

You see, children have always been important to God. They are His heritage- His special treasure whom He has set aside for His good purpose. Consequently, they have also been very important to the enemy. Just as in the times of Moses, and in the days of Christ, Himself, ruthless rulers throughout history have performed gruesome acts of infanticide in order to try and snuff out the promised ones. In our modern times, the abortion clinics are as crowded as ever. A woman’s right to “choose” outweighs the rights of the innocent unborn. And what about the ones who do make it? So many are brought into a situation where there is no love, no compassion, and no guidance- a place not of their own choosing. A place where the street is home, the gang is family and violence is the way of life. Given the circumstances, it is easy to see why so many young people today are so lost and messed up. Yes, the enemy has done a good job of stealing this new generation. But, are we going to stand still and give it over to him? Not a chance!!

The great evangelist, D.L. Moody, once said after a meeting that two and a half souls got saved that day. When asked, “Do you mean two adults and a child?”, Moody responded, “No, I mean two children and an adult!”. When an adult gives his life to the Lord, it’s a glorious occasion, but usually, that adult has already lived out a good portion of his life living in sin. There is a lot of garbage that needs to be emptied out before you can start putting in the good stuff. When a child gives his life to the Lord, you pretty much start with a clean slate. There’s not nearly as much extra baggage with a child. Best of all, he still has his whole life ahead of him to do great things for God! Imagine where you might be now, spiritually speaking, if you got to know Jesus at an early age.

One giant lie from the devil is that kids are somehow intimidating. I know. I thought that way before I started ministering to them. I also didn’t like children very much, other than my own. Nevertheless, God showed me a new thing, and I no longer had to be afraid of them. I discovered that I had a voice for them, and that they would listen to what I had to say. I found I actually liked them, and that they liked me, too. Children have a way of appreciating the least little thing you do for them, like spending a few minutes of your precious time making them feel like you care about them. There’s nothing more rewarding than that little person running up to you, throwing their arms around you, and shouting that they love you. If the Holy Ghost is nudging you, and you’re looking for a place to use your gifts where you will be instantly loved, I can’t think of a better place than children’s ministry. It’s low pressure but high reward. They’re a great audience, and will love whatever you do, pretty much. And, there’s nothing to be afraid of. After all, they’re just kids!

Mark 9:41 "...And whosoever shall give one of these little ones a cup of cool water, in My Name, shall surely not lose his heavenly reward."