Are Children Actually Special?

Are Children Actually Special?

Of course, we all know the answer: "Absolutely they are!" But sometimes, they’re loud, messy, disruptive, and can even cause property damage and unimaginable amounts of stress. So, are children special? And if they are, what makes them special?

Is it their joy and excitement for life? Their ability to discover the world right before our eyes? The unlimited potential that dwells within each child to change the world?

Yes, to all of these. But more than anything, what makes them special is that they belong to God.

This is what makes us all special. This is what unites us in a world that seeks to divide: we are united under His love. We belong to a good Father who has a deep desire to be in a relationship with us!

I became a father 11 months ago, and I remember the moment I held my little girl, Charlotte. I remember holding her tiny 8 lbs 2 oz body and the amount of love I felt for this little person I had just met was indescribable. And I thought to myself, “If I love my daughter this much, how much more does God love her?”

The Bible teaches us that when He looks down upon us, He sees His beloved children, His handcrafted masterpieces (Eph. 2:10), made in His image (Gen. 1:27), created to live life to the full (John 10:10). HE IS A GOOD FATHER. 

When I look at my child, I can't help but be drawn in by the wonder of her existence. Children have the uncanny ability to lead us to wonder and hope. No matter how bad things might have gone for us, maybe it can be better for them. They challenge us to take on responsibility, to wrestle with our own pain and past. We can look at the world, stare deeply into the eyes of chaos, and want to shield our children from all harm. Or, we can help raise up a new generation who bravely goes out into the world and fills it with light! 

This is why I love family ministry. Here, I’m tasked with one of the most important jobs in the world: to help parents raise their little ones to be all that God has created them to be. I believe that parents are the primary spiritual leaders in their households, and I know we have to do this together. "It takes a village," they say, but I also know that it takes a Christ-centered community to see Christ-centered children.

So today, let yourself wander into wonder again. For their sake, let yourself become like these little ones (Matt. 18:3), filled with hope, faith, and love for our Father in Heaven. Let us be fixated on the amazing gift of life, the freedom we have because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. There is a great hope because we know a great God.

Go in peace today, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Garrett
Families Pastor