Bless a Child

Throughout his ministry, Jesus was often criticized for spending time with the wrong people…tax collectors, sinners, and children. His own disciples thought that Jesus should spend more time with more “important” people, because this would improve his position and avoid criticism. As if Jesus was worried about improving his position or avoiding criticism.

Mark records one such incident. The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in” (Mark 10:13-15 Msg) and then Jesus does something amazing, he took the children in his arms and blessed them (Mark 10:16).

Now a blessing is a bestowal of good and to bless another person is say, “I wish the best for you. I give this to you. I desire this for you.” If Jesus is willing to bless children, then shouldn’t we be willing to do the same. For parents, this means blessing their children. The impact of this on a child’s life is immeasurable. There is great power in blessing our children. Here’s the thing, blessing a child is not just limited to parents, we all of the ability to impact a child’s life by blessing them.

You see, it doesn’t matter your stage of life, it doesn’t matter your age, it doesn’t matter your color of skin; it doesn’t matter where you live. There are no restrictions to blessing a child; it only requires some intentionality on your part. It requires a little bit of your time. Maybe you volunteer in your local churches children‘s ministry. Maybe it’s walking your neighborhood and praying for the children in it. Maybe it is becoming a mentor to a fatherless or motherless child. Perhaps it is a kind word to a troubled child or a comforting hug. You can get involved in your local Big Brother/Big Sister organizations.

There are many ways to bless a child and nurture their faith and character. When you bless a child you can transform their life. When you decide to be intentional about blessing the life of a child, it is not only their life that will be blessed but your life also.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

~ Tim Hall https://twitter.com/1timothy12 (I encourage feedback, questions & comments - email me at 1timothy46@gmail.com)