Jesus loves the little children

Grace, peace, and mercy from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

In addition to my work as a student, God has blessed me with a position as a supervisor in an active security department in my hometown. I am responsible for the safety of thousands of people and the officers on my shift. Incidents related to disorderly and improper conduct generally result in my contact with young people. I have taken time to speak with these youth. Despite the frustrations that they can cause my department, I have learned that these young people are crying out for attention, help, and love in any way they can. Criminal and irresponsible behavior is one of many avenues taken, often times combined with drug and alcohol use and promiscuous behavior.

The Lord convicted my heart last night when I was on patrol and became angry with the behaviors of the young people. I did not lash out, but my heart became angry and embittered. God immediately spoke to me, first warning me about hardening my heart. The heart is the dwelling place of the living God and any bitterness or anger in our hearts will diminish God's voice and negatively impact our relationship with the Lord. Then He spoke to my heart about the teens that had frustrated me moments before. God expressed how His heart ached because of these children. "They are not inconveniences, but broken, injured, emotionally wounded children. They need your love."

And then my heart began to ache as well. Not just because of the sorrows of the children, but because I had allowed my heart to become calloused to their needs. John 13:35 reads, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." And yes, there are times when a stern voice is needed - discipline is a Godly action and attribute. Yet discipline without love is condemnation. God does not condemn those He loves (Romans 8:1) and we are to speak to each other in love (John 13:35).

The world needs Godly men and women, particularly Godly young men and women, to stand boldly for God and be positive role models for these teens. Actors, rappers, celebrities, and gangs have stood up and decided that they would mentor these lost souls. It is time for Christians, young and old, to rise up, serve God by pouring into the hearts of our young people, and battle for the spirits of the next generation.

So are you going to join the battle or watch from the sidelines?