Won't Someone Please Think Of The Children

   According to modern thinking it is a wonder that any of us survived childhood.  We rode our bikes without helmets.  We climbed on metal monkey bars over unpadded hard ground.  We somehow didn't electrocute ourselves with uncovered outlets.  We rode in cars without car seats.  We went to every house in town to “Trick or Treat”.  We spent the afternoon in fields and empty lots without any adults in sight.  We played sports without proper safety equipment and without any organized leagues and official rulebooks.  Sometimes we even talked to strangers. How did anyone survive!

   Today, it seems that safety is a top priority for parents.  We will go to extreme lengths to make sure our children are protected.  We pad all the corners, childproof all the caps and read all the warning labels.  We love our child and want to protect them.  The thought of allowing anything, even the smallest and most unlikely thing, to cause them harm should be prevented.  Our children are just too important to risk.

   So, if you would let’s consider the words of Jesus:

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”

Mark 8:36

  Even if we protect them from every worldly danger, educate them to the highest levels, provide for every physical need and don't do anything to help them reach heaven what good have we done?  I am amazed the lengths parents will go to support their child schools, ball clubs or organization yet leave it up to a single youth minister to teach them about God.  They will drive all across the country to attend games, spend a small fortune on equipment and lessons, and give up their precious time for all of it, yet won’t give a thought to their Bible study or spiritual development.  If they win state, go to the best college and never suffer a day in their life, yet end up in hell will any of it have been worth it?

  If you are really concerned for your kids or grandkids safety, do something to protect their souls.  Study the Bible with them.  Get involved in the youth work.  Teach their Bible class.  Talk to them about spiritual things.  Make sure they are well equipped in God’s teachings.  Don't leave their souls to chance.  Make sure they “know the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation” (2nd Timothy 3:15).  

  Jesus told us in Matthew 10:28, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We need to keep our children safe, but the greatest danger we need to protect them from is losing their soul!