Offending a Child

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:1-6)

This past weekend Debbie Smith conducted a Child Protection Seminar at our church.  The purpose was to do background checks on all adults who work in our children’s ministries and to be educated about working with children in our present day.  We cannot afford to be ignorant of Satan’s devices.  Many a church has been destroyed because a trusted adult violated a child or because a church was just ignorant of taking the proper precautions when ministering to children.

How sad that we must have such a seminar.  Jesus had strong words for those who would offend a little child.  “It would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea!”

It is the duty of every Christian to be diligent to lead children to faith in Christ and to protect those God entrusts to our care.