“The Father is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” Matt. 18:1

You’ve probably heard the parable of the lost sheep taught as a general evangelism passage challenging believers to seek the lost.  While a legitimate application, the sheep Jesus refers to in this parable in Matthew 18 are actually children.  The bookends on either side of the parable are parallel statements about the Father’s heart for children.  On one end is Jesus’ warning not to look down on the children for “their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven”.  On the other side is His representation of the parable as a picture of the Father’s determination that none “of these little ones should be lost”.  Our Lord’s passion for and high value given to children is obvious—as is the implication for us.

We have been given but one life to live and invest for the next generations.  Whether it is our own grandchildren or the children in our churches and neighborhoods, if we fail to intentionally embrace the Father’s heart for our children, we effectively surrender them to the Enemy who will destroy them for all eternity.  The consequences for them and for us are not inconsequential.

I must admit that I am increasingly impatient with adults of my generation and beyond who choose to spend their lives and assets on themselves while investing almost nothing of themselves in the lives of the next generations.  There is nothing wrong with enjoying some much deserved rest and relaxation.  We need it.  On the other hand, there is nothing right about wasting our lives on frivolous ventures while ignoring our responsibility to use every asset God has given us to make sure none of these little ones perish.  How are you spending your life for the next generations?  How will you answer the Master when He asks for an accounting of all He gave you?

GRANDPAUSE: All our activity is sowing; and so is our inactivity. –John Blanchard