Have you ever really contemplated the significance of a child? How about the significance of each life that is given . . . each boy and girl that is born in countries all around the world? Today’s children will be the future messengers to the next generation. They are the future men and women that will make a difference in this world. But it’s not even about the significance they will hold in the future and all they will accomplish and communicate but the importance of their lives right now . . . today, while they’re still young.
In some cultures, children are already leading families and making decisions that will impact their own futures as well as their community’s. While in others, children are viewed as insignificant and of no value. In some countries, children are immediately considered worthless dependent solely on gender. But the Lord proclaims that each life holds significant value, even from a young age. When Jesus was walking the earth, He spent time with children and even told His followers they should have faith more like a child.
Jesus demonstrated the compassion He had for children and that He has a significant purpose for every person, including those who were young. He did not belittle them nor did He think less of them due to their age. Instead, the Lord shows again and again throughout His Word that He used children for great purposes. Here are just a couple of examples:
David was only 15 years old when he defeated the giant, Goliath, when no one else was able to do so. Not only was he young when he accomplished this great achievement for the Lord’s purposes, but God was working in his life, even as a young child, preparing him for this moment and growing him in his faith.
Moses grew up in the palace of a pharaoh and came to be the deliverer of his people, but his story actually began when pharaoh’s daughter found him, as a baby, in a basket floating in the river. Even at this early time in his life, the Lord was beginning an incredible story and a powerful purpose in Moses’ life.
Even Jesus accomplished great things at a young age, and He shows time and time again the value He places in children. Jesus sets the precedence for how we, as his followers, should view children as well. By believing in and supporting children, we are investing in future leaders that hold great value and purpose.
“If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!” – Dwight L. Moody, evangelist
This evangelist’s words demonstrate the difference that can made when we recognize the impact we can make by investing in children and especially in their spiritual development. By instilling confidence and value within them at a young age and sharing the love of Christ, they can accomplish anything.
As sponsors, we have the unique opportunity to invest in an individual child’s life and make an incredible difference. If you haven’t taken the time yet to personally invest in your sponsored child beyond the funds you send each month, I would encourage you to write your first letter. Share about yourself and ask your sponsored child to share more about who they are and what they want to be.
It is such a special and powerful bond between a sponsor and sponsored child that can truly make an ongoing impact. You never know how much your encouraging words and prayers can impact a young boy or girl’s life. By showing children the value we see in them, we can make a life-changing difference and help provide the confidence and reassurance they need to know they can and will accomplish great things.
Investing in one life can mean investing in a future political leader, parent, teacher, doctor, or lawyer. A life is valuable no matter the age, and we can make a difference in a child’s life . . . ultimately investing in God’s plan for them.
