Jesus Loves the Little Children

"Mom, do I have to go to Sunday School? I don't wanna!" As a younger girl, Sunday school never appealed to me. The teachers contantly changed. When I walked in the door, the adult standing at the front of the room often surprised me. Sometimes I didn't even know the person.


It seemed as though adults taught after seeing the ad in the bulletin rather than excitedly volunteering. Yes, some adults cared, but as a young child, I expected to understand this affection through fun classroom environments. Plus, the Bible stories seemed to run together. I promise you I learned the stories of Jonah, Moses and Daniel every year from the ages of 2 to 13. Don't get me wrong, these stories are important in our faith, but no teacher ever made learning fun. We sat in a desk, just like school, and learned the Bible. Other than one 5th grade Sunday School teacher, we played no games -- nothing.


Now, obviously Sunday School was not as bad as I make it sound, but this was what I saw as a little kid. Everything was magnified. What one word describes my childhood feelings towards Sunday School? Disappointment.


Now, as a 15-year-old high school student, I teach a 3rd- and 4th-grade Sunday School class. The kids make me laugh, and I enjoy every moment with them. I remember what it feels like as an 8-year-old kid whose parents force her to attend Sunday school; I'll never forget it, either. All children deserve a fun, loving environment where worries leave as Jesus takes over. God has called all members of the church to love these kids as our own for "such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14, NKJV).


Godly lifestyle begins to form during childhood. According to Barna Research, 43 percent of believers accept Jesus as their Saviour before the age of 13. This time of a child's life is critical to his/her spiritual health. The values established now will often last forever. As you live your everyday life, allow God to give you the eyes of a child. Let Him work through you as you impact the children around you.


"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever recieves one little child like this in My name recieves me" (Matthew 18:4-5, NKJV).