Kid Friendly

  Sometimes you see information for a restaurant or event that uses the phrase ‘kid friendly. Basically, it tells you that the place will accommodate children or at least won’t try to run them off.

  Not all places will do that. I remember reading an article about studios adding offensive content to films to receive an ‘R’ rating. They did this for films geared to adult audiences to ensure kids wouldn’t be allowed. Kids' presence was seen as a turn-off for the target audience.

  Not everyone is willing to put with the kids.

  How about the church?

  I have to admit I have seen some places that don’t hang a sign saying “stay away” but nevertheless the message is there. Children are seen as a nuisance and a distraction. They don’t like the noise they create or the messes they make. The idea is the adults are the audience and children are just  a distraction.

 But Jesus would disagree.

 In Luke 18:15-16 we read; “And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Rather than push them outside, Jesus sets them front and center. He forbids actions that would keep them from Him.

  We need to remember that. Often times we think of children as the church of tomorrow but that shouldn’t be. They need to be a part of the church right now or they might not be a church of tomorrow!