Matthew 18:5,6
“And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
God loves us all. He has a special place in His heart for the vulnerable. Widows and orphans fit into that category as do children. The young are easily swayed. They should be under the parents influence and that position should be guarded. If parents see their child being led in the wrong direction, then they should intervene. Sometimes correction is enough, but other times the child should be removed.
Our culture is involved in some of those battles. Our libraries are determining what is appropriate for children to read and at what age. Some libraries (and cities and states) have lost their way when it comes to sexual content. There was an overwhelming majority against this. Those that were for it didn’t understand God’s Ways. They were at cross purposes with Him. In their minds they were right.
The ones opposed to God’s ways are deceived. Romans 1:21 describes it, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened.” When we reject God our reasoning becomes off. Here some feel great about their efforts with books and they don’t understand that they are at war with God.
The Lord has His general plans for all of us. These adults are pushing books and movies which go against His plan. These materials can influence young people in the wrong direction. This leads them in an ungodly way. If people find themselves in with those against God, they are often biased against God. The chances of these coming to Christ lessen. This breaks God’s heart. He still attempts to draw them and show them His love, it’s harder.
Those that get in the way of a child and God are threatened with a great warning. Today’s verse says, “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.” This would shock most. They certainly wouldn’t agree. However, it is a time to examine one’s work against the bible and see how it fares.
This contemplation is important. It’s a cross road. When the one examines one’s self with the bible, it’s God attempting to reach him. If he repents, then there is a victory. If not, then that one is further ensconced in his position. He has closed himself off from God and a further hardness develops against God. He becomes dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11) when it comes to God. This is a frightening place to be.
Any of us can ignore God and become callous or dull of hearing, believer and nonbeliever alike. James 1:19 tells us what to do, “My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger”. We are to be quick to listen. Pray about the cautions we feel. If we are certain something is of God, we are to be quick to obey. Psalm 119:60 says, “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.”
If we are slow to obedience, then rationalization slips in. A dullness slips in and things don’t seem as important. We forget about it and if we continue to put it off then it might not happen.
Lord, help us to be quick about our obedience. Help us not to harden our hearts and ignore You. Thank You that You are the champion of the children and will punish those that harm them. Help us to be a warning.
