Children Are God’s Building Blocks
He constructed them to have the moral character and strength to face life’s challenges
“One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn’t belong.” Sesame Street
Children have fun stacking building blocks, don’t they? They have fun putting them together and making a big tower. So, what if the set of blocks they used defined good and bad character traits? Would they be able to separate them into two different towers? Do they know the difference between good and bad character? Could they use all of the blocks, or would they know what blocks just doesn’t belong?
Building good character traits
How do we teach character? First, we teach it by being good examples for children to follow. As a Sunday School teacher, I am aware of the powers I have in the character-building process. Being a Christian exemplifies good character. A Christian is defined by good character traits. Now when they see your good example, a child would be able to separate the good and bad character blocks. Our job is to teach them right from wrong. And when we teach them correctly, we give them the right building blocks to grow as individuals and as Christians. A square peg doesn’t fit into a round hole! As teachers and parents, we must do our best to teach good character. God wants us to do so. And God doesn’t want children to stumble and fall like building blocks do when you stack them.
Influenced by bad character traits
Is Christian always a person of good character? No one is perfect. When Christians make mistakes, they repent and ask God for forgiveness. God tells us that causing a child to fall into sin if he believes in God is a bad thing to do. Matthew 18:6 (ICB) says: “If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, then it will be very hard for that person. It would be better for him to have a large stone tried around his neck and be drowned in the sea.”
So what are the building blocks that teach children how to be Christians? Here’s a list:
- Teach children to treat others well. The Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated should be the order of the day.
- Be an example yourself. You cannot turn others to Christ if you don’t live what you confess. Children are like sponges. They absorb whatever you do. If you do right and teach God’s way, they will get it.
- Teach children how to be humble by being humble. Show them that backing down sometimes is okay, making sure it doesn’t escalate into a bad situation.
- Be teachable yourself. You don’t know everything. No one does. The Bible says a little child can teach you. You can learn a lot from a child if you take the time to listen.
- Watch what you do, as many children are looking at you!
- Teach children to trust God. Let them know he is the one who takes care of all your needs.
- Teach children to have faith. Let them know it’s okay to call on God whenever you need him any time.
Conclusion: Children are built on the foundation of God’s character
Little children can teach us Christians about the character of God. They are pure in heart. They are innocent of life. They are inspiring to us. And they are humble. Little children can lead others to Christ! Jesus loves the little children. He loves everyone one regardless of race, creed, color, or religion affiliation. Jesus blessed and healed them. Jesus asked the little children to come onto him. Children belong in God’s kingdom. Children are not a bother, but a blessing! We adults were once children ourselves, and we sometimes forget how they feel. I remember playing with building blocks. I remember how the good character building blocks I received from others defined me. They taught me the life lessons I needed to help build my good Christian character. 1 Timothy 4:12 says: “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Children are important. Remember, you might be the only Bible that some people read. Children can read people like a book. Let it be the good book.
