All my life, I've believed that the letters KFC will only stand for the famous and delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken and nothing else. Not until I have opened my eyes wide during the last few months of 2012 up to this date that I was able to realize something new.
*light bulb*
The little children for me are like magnets. Our relationship is on opposite poles that the tendency for me is to get more attracted on what they do, what they say and what they think of. Believe me, I see them as precious angels giving me so much joy and peace. Maybe, this is the reason why I've stayed long for four years in Children's Church. These magnets were too strong, I can't let go.
In fact, my attention had been with them for quite some time that I was able to witness their beautiful encounters with the Lord. You know, these kids, like us, are just too hungry for Jesus. We may not vividly see it because we use their age as hindrance to what they can show. But truth be told, it is their child-like faith that separates us from them. Age-wise towards maturity over things may be our edge but faith-wise the purity, innocence, sincerity and simplicity of these kids when it comes to worshiping God is truly commendable and inspiring.
For the past few months, a number of children had enlightened my mind and refreshed my heart on how my attitude should be when it comes to my Abba.
One Sunday service, the Pastor told the crowd to raise their hands up high in surrender to God. This little girl saw everyone raised their arms before Him. I knew that she was wondering why everyone was doing it. She looked from left to right and later on found herself raising her own arms even more outstretched than the rest. You see this little girl's curiosity had led her to an act of obedience and worship towards certainty, which is Christ. She may not be sure of what she did but the logic here is, as Christians, we should hold onto our curiosity wisely. Let us not give in to the answers of the world but rather believe that TRUTH is found in HIM ALONE. In Jesus Christ, our curiosity is changed with certainty that will reassure us of the completeness and security He gave up for us on the Cross.
On one Children's Church service is another story. I was introducing to the class a new Bible lesson by verbalizing tiny descriptions that may serve as hints on what was to be discussed. The children were giving out their best guesses until this girl broke her silence and gave out the most fitting answer with an extra spice. She was able to tell the title of the Bible lesson and even shared the overview of the story (prior to the Bible Story discussion itself). In KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) terms, it was like a Double Down with extra cheese and bacon. I was in total awe afterwards. My mouth was nearly on its nutcracker mode. You see, when we read our Bible and memorize parts of it, we do not only gain head knowledge but we imbibe wisdom coming from God. This wisdom makes us bold enough to share the WORD with others and even step out of our comfort zones. It even comes handy in 911 situations. When we assure ourselves that we are responsible in reading the Bible, we commit to the never-changing truth, which is Jesus. We sought to it that we want to grow deeper in His love. It's telling God that we are also interested much as He is for us. After all, when we don't read the Scriptures we end up like a free-floating lily on a stagnant water just going with its still flow. But when we dwell on God's word, we become a heavy duty boat with an optimal propeller ready to take some action.
My last story for this entry is about this little boy whom I just formally met last Prayer and Fasting. His adorable cheeks reminded me of this cartoon character I saw in one movie. But more than his physical charm, I was more invited with his brightness. For a 4 year old boy, his imagination and creativity were amusing. I never imagined myself that open and brilliant when I was of same age as he is. To add up, the real attracting force of this small lad was his confidence in worshiping and praising Jesus through songs. I was surprised that he sings and really knew the lyrics of the songs with his hands boldly raised. His energy was full-blast I cannot keep up. But he inspired me to even do crazy acts for God just to show how thankful I am, how I wanted to exalt His name. You see, even kids can do it. That day I learned that there shouldn't be any wall separating us from God every praise and worship. It's because we are His children and we can come before His throne as who we are.
With this, I encourage the elders not to hold back, manipulate or reverse the faith of the young ones. They are the next generation. In their faiths, let God be GOD. Let us instead guide them, direct them and spur into their hearts how loving Jesus is today, tomorrow and for the rest of time.
Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Matthew 18:10
See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
For the next few weeks, I'm sure that I will not be craving for chicken alone but for kids whose faith in Christ is inspiring and motivational.
Sealing this with love,
Diane
