THE WEIGHT OF INFLUENCE
“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Matthew 18:5-6 (NLT)
The leading of children is a sacred trust.
Whether you’re a parent, extended family member, volunteer, coach, pastor or counselor, leading a child is a wonderful and weighty responsibility. But do we always see it that way? I’m afraid we may not. In the midst of our own issues and struggles, we may, at times, phone it in. But we must take seriously the sacred trust God has given us to shape and mold the next generation.
Jesus’ words here are heavy. He says that to mislead a younger person into sin, it would be a better outcome to have a millstone tied around your neck and then be launched into the depths to drown. Millstones could weigh several hundred pounds. It’s a striking illustration to those hearing Jesus speak. And it should also communicate to us how seriously we should take our ministry to the next generation.
Now, you may hear what Jesus says and decide it’d be better not to try at all than to try and fail. But consider the words of James, Jesus' brother, in James 4:17 (NLT): Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
So, we cannot simply remain on the bench. We must get in the game and impact the next generation for Jesus! You have young people in your life who need to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses to the faith. How will you impact them? Who are you bringing alongside you to help shepherd them in their discipleship journey? In her book Sticky Faith, Kara Powell speaks of the new 5:1 ratio. Rather than having one adult to watch five children, we want to surround each child with five caring, committed, Christlike adults who can invest in and encourage them toward Christ.
APPLICATION: How seriously have you taken your opportunities to impact the next generation? Have you given it your all, or perhaps your second-best table scraps? God expects more, and the next generation deserves better. Ask God to show you how to step up and lead young people toward Christ.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the privilege of being Your ambassador. As I seek to reach and disciple the next generation, help me walk humbly in step with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?