(Matthew 19:14) Jesus said, “Let little children come to me and do not hinder them, for such is the kingdom of heaven.” ~~~What does Jesus mean by saying, “Let little children come to me and do not hinder them”? Many people say that Christians should welcome children. I think Jesus' words are quite meaningful! Jesus is telling us something very important: Let children come into contact with Jesus from a young age! This tells us that Christian faith must be “established and nurtured” from childhood!
Have you ever thought about this question: Why has the Christian faith in the United States declined so rapidly? Because American children have lost access to Christian education! The other day I chatted with an 8-year-old white boy in a wealthy neighborhood. I asked him, “Do you know Jesus?” He asked me, “What is that? What is Jesus?” He didn't even know that Jesus was a person! This is the reason for the corruption of Christianity in the United States! Too many Christians are unwilling to let their children come into contact with "Christianity"! Many Christians raise their children to be "Sunday Christians"! Sundays are for going to church and playing with the children of fellow believers, while the rest of the week is spent focusing on academics. This is how Christians raise their children. Do Christians truly believe in the "Christian faith"? No, Christians certainly don't! Many Christians feel that the Christian faith is severely disconnected from society, and that too much church involvement will prevent children from integrating into normal life, both academically and socially. Why did Jesus bring children to Him? If "Christianity" is so disconnected from children, why did Jesus expose them to Christianity in the first place??
Many Christians bring their children to church because they fear they will go astray. Adolescence is the most difficult period for children to guide, and many children pick up "bad habits" during this time! These children learn: Drug use, fighting, causing trouble, playing mobile games, lying… and many other vices! Many Christians, like worldly people, say: These bad habits are unavoidable! Are these Christians' children truly unable to avoid these bad habits? Many things can be avoided, but are we willing to avoid them? All Christians need to reflect: Have we forbidden our children from going to Jesus? We have consistently forbidden our children from going to Jesus! Because we are all ordinary, selfish parents; we are all Rebekah! We teach our children that they can do anything for personal gain! Rebekah taught Jacob to deceive his father and receive a blessing that didn't belong to him! This is what we, as ordinary Christian parents, often do! Many parents bring their children to church because they are afraid their children will go astray. When their children face exams and school activities, they certainly make them give up Sunday worship! I won't say these parents are wrong; parents are always calculating how to give their children the best life. But I want to ask all parents: Do you really think you are giving your children the best life and the most correct upbringing??
Let's go back to the little brother who didn't know Jesus! Why did I see that little brother? Because he was lonely; he had no other playmates. Have you realized a terrible problem? Why has "isolation" become the norm? We in America have become accustomed to "isolation" because in the vast sea of people—we can't find anyone we can trust! I can't say that Christianity is perfect, but I can say for sure one thing: The ultimate goal of Christianity is "harmony"! Jesus always emphasized that the summary of all the law is "love God and love your neighbor as yourself"! Christianity has never asked us to escape "worldliness." Christianity is about bringing faith into our lives! Why did Jesus invite children to Him? Jesus wanted children to have Him in their hearts from a young age! A child who has Jesus in their heart from childhood will never be lonely! A child who has Jesus in their heart from childhood will be willing to learn Jesus' spirit—selflessness! A child who has Jesus in their heart from childhood will know how to live in harmony with others! A child who has Jesus in their heart from childhood will never pick up bad habits! A child who has Jesus in their heart from childhood will have lifelong peace and joy! If a child has Jesus in their heart from childhood, we can be sure that they will definitely enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Many parents spend their entire lives trying to raise their children to be "superior," but what's the result? I know many parents who work hard to raise their children, but the children can't handle the pressure—they commit suicide! I know far too many children of wealthy and powerful families who have committed suicide! Bringing children to Jesus isn't just about becoming a Sunday Christian; it's about letting Jesus dwell in their hearts from a young age! Here's a sincere piece of advice for all parents: Giving children mountains of gold and silver is not as valuable as bringing them to Jesus. Bringing children to Jesus will benefit them for a lifetime!!
