Day 161 "Innocence is not meant to be lost."

Day 161 Matthew 19:13-15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. The culture of the times held very little regard for children, possibly because they were looked upon more as assets to the family as opposed to the treasures that Jesus saw them as. Whatever the reason, Jesus purposed to make it clear that He desired to have the children around Him and that He wanted to pray for them. One of the greatest challenges of being a father again later in life has been the toleration factor; you know what I mean, I'm older, more impatient, maybe a little more irritable, and yet the children are full of hope, energy, and excitement! The truth is I love it. I have purposed to embrace and enjoy it and to learn and draw from it; it brings me new life, excitement, and joy. Children are truly infectious: they see things so clearly and uninhibited, and we would do well, at times, to look at life more like they do. You see, they don't know all of the reasons that things can't be taken in a literal sense. They don't understand why yes does not always mean yes or why it's OK to tell a little lie–they are caught in their innocence. So why is it that we feel the overwhelming need as adults to steal or remove the innocence from a child? What is really wrong with such great literal faith? Sometimes I think we have fallen into the trap of believing (because the world tells us to) that children have nothing to offer and that their innocence is a deterrent to reality. It is often that this approach of innocence brings to light and reminds us of the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the ability to accept without doubt the fact that Christ died for us, that God created us, and that, yes, of course the Word of God is true. Jesus did not complicate the gospel–He simplified it; we, however, have managed not only to complicate it but to place conditions upon it as well. Maybe we would all do well to revisit our hard-felt views and return to a simpler view–one more like a child and one more in line with the innocence of the Lamb that was slain for us. Daily Prayer: Father, may I not forget that sometimes a rose-colored glass is appropriate to view You through. Help me, I pray, not to be so serious that I forget to enjoy my walk with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. "Innocence is not meant to be lost." Pastor Gene Burroughs