Seeing the Smallest Through His Eyes
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to working with children. At 13 I walked around my neighborhood handing out self-made babysitting cards hoping to land a job, partially because I wanted money, but mainly because I thought it sounded like fun. I loved the idea of getting to lead a group of kids younger than me.
Since then, I have held numerous child care roles, both in secular settings and within the church. This fall I will graduate college with an education degree, and my heart has not strayed.
From the beginning, God has been inviting humans to partner with Him. In Genesis, we see how God created Adam in His image and entrusted him to care for the earth. This theme continues throughout the Old Testament with Noah, Abraham, Moses and others who show partnership with God through obeying what He calls them to do. In the New Testament, Jesus calls his disciples to follow him and be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). They set the example of Christ’s partnership with his followers. Partnership with God is not just about completing tasks, but walking in obedience with the Lord.
My desire to work in education is not a random career path, it is God placing His children in my heart as a way to honor Him and to serve the kingdom.
This calling is not just for people in education, but for anyone who interacts with children. Parents, mentors, youth leaders, family members of children, or just anyone who interacts with kids, He has a specific place and role for each and every one of you.
Mark 10:13-16 “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
In Jesus' time, children were not valued, not treated well, not seen or heard. By these words and actions from Jesus, he places value upon them, calling out the people for not recognizing them as an incredibly important part of the kingdom. He not only welcomes them, but honors them. I wonder what it would be like for the disciples to watch Jesus do this, or what this would have felt like for the families to see their children embraced by the Messiah.
There was a shift in me when I started viewing the children I work with through Jesus’ eyes. It made the work more meaningful, more important. It’s not about the money, it’s not just about the content of their learning, it’s about showing Jesus through my words, actions, and joy. In some spaces, I may be the only introduction to Jesus that some have had and I don't want to take that lightly. In the same way Adam partnered with God to take care of the earth, I am called to help take care of His children.
About a month ago, I helped with my church’s summer kids’ camp. I was astonished by the depth and spiritual hunger the children had. They were not just attending, but asking questions about Jesus and worshiping him openly.
John 1o:27 says: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
The Lord speaks to these children clearly and personally. He desires to have a relationship with them. They are members of His church.
Although not all of you may be called to work with children, we are invited to honor them as valuable members of the kingdom, just as Jesus did.
As you go about your day, pause and ask God.
“Who are You highlighting to me today?”
It might be a child, a coworker, a stranger at the grocery store, or even someone you may find difficult to love.
For me it was children, but there is something in everyone that God is inviting you to notice, ask Him to help you see what it is through His lens.
