Little Ones

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:5, 6

Being a grandmother I have special interest in this scripture. It holds me accountable in what I put before my grandchildren.

Here Jesus is saying He cherishes innocence. Innocence can be found in a new believer as well. It is important that they are cared for without loading them up with dogmas, rules and regulations that bind rather than free. It is also important that I do not show an indulgence in persuits that would bind them or take them away from Christ.
It is interesting that Jesus goes on the talk about lost sheep in verse 12 and ends the discourse in verse 14 saying that the Father is not willing that any of the little ones’ should be lost.

What is He saying? Is He saying that little children must be brought up to know Him and that if they stray they should be sought and brought back? Is He saying that we are totally accountable for them?

I believe this scripture is worth meditating on, chewing over, pondering on. What is in it for me? What must I do? In this world of ‘rush rush rush’ we can assume we are doing ok, are we? Is that video, that game going to steer the children to Him or away from Him?