Think of the Children (No, Really)

[AlexB23]

Hello folks. Kids are probably not in it for me, unless via adoption, as this world is a strange, dark place. This final devotional for the month focuses on how we can raise and protect our children from the world in this strange new world.

Date​	May 31, 2024 | Protect the Youngsters​
Verse​	Matthew 18:6-7 (NIV): "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!" Matthew 19:14 (NIV): "Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’" Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."​
Explanation​	These three passages from the Bible provide important teachings on the value of children and the responsibilities of adults in raising and protecting them.​ In Matthew 18:6-7, Jesus is warning the disciples about the harm caused by causing a child to stumble or sin. The consequences of leading a child astray are severe, and Jesus laments the existence of such causes. This passage underscores the importance of being mindful of our actions and words in the presence of children, as they are impressionable and vulnerable. Contrastingly, in Matthew 19:14, Jesus welcomes and encourages children to come to Him, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. This passage highlights the inherent worth and value of children in the eyes of God. Finally, in Ephesians 6:4, Paul urges fathers to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. This verse emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing their children's spiritual growth and development, and encourages mothers and fathers to be patient and nurturing rather than exasperating or discouraging.
Societal Relevance​	In the modern world, protecting children from various harms and negative influences requires intentional effort and vigilance from parents, guardians, and the wider community. Some specific actions Christians can take include: Creating a nurturing and safe home environment that fosters open communication, trust, and love between parents and children. Engaging in regular spiritual and moral instruction, using age-appropriate resources and activities. Monitoring and limiting children's exposure to media, ensuring they are consuming age-appropriate and wholesome content. Being aware of and involved in their children's education, extracurricular activities, and relationships with peers and adults. Building a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Advocating for policies and practices that protect children from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm, such as stricter regulations on media and educational institutions, and report any abuse to the local authorities. Providing opportunities for children to engage in meaningful service projects and activities that promote positive values and contribute to their growth. Ultimately, raising children properly and protecting them from harm requires a commitment to intentional discipleship, loving guidance, and vigilant oversight. By following the example of Jesus and the teachings of the Bible, Christians can create a nurturing and supportive environment that helps children grow into strong, virtuous, and faith-filled individuals. Sadly, there is no life anecdote from me, as I do not have any kids, and do not wish to have children (unless via adoption). However, if kids were in God’s plan, raising children in a holy method would be my goal. With the perversion of media and music, I would give my hypothetical kids DVDs of classic movies my parents raised me on instead of the movies that push identity politics. While freedom of speech is important, keeping young ones away from violent media or promiscuous books would be best for the Christian maturation of the youth.

 

[AlexB23]

Guys, we are in the End of Days. Children are being indoctrinated by dark ideologies in public schools (with transformer affirming books), in churches with trans story hours, and on the television with demonic shows such as Hazbin Hotel. Jesus will come back soon.


Apostate church has a Drag Queen Story Hour. Demonic teachings are festering in our churches now.

Video Summary:

In a video titled "The church is supposed to be a place of worship, not a place for woke ideology," Mr. Vlad Savchuk expresses concern about the increasing incorporation of progressive ideas and practices into mainstream churches. He specifically mentions instances where drag queens have been invited to lead children's sermons and adult services in United Methodist and Presbyterian churches.

Savchuk criticizes these events as promoting a distorted view of gender and religious beliefs that contradict traditional Christian values. He argues that these churches, instead of standing firm on biblical principles, are conforming to cultural trends and are losing their purity, presence, power, and purpose as institutions of faith.

According to Savchuk, the goal of bringing drag queens into churches is to introduce children to the LGBTQ+ lifestyle as something acceptable and worth emulating. He believes that the focus on children, churches, and libraries is deliberate, aiming to influence future generations and further normalize nontraditional, demonic lifestyles within society.

In conclusion, Mr. Savchuck calls on viewers to consider whether their own churches prioritize purity, presence, power, and purpose in line with biblical teaching. He encourages followers to resist churches that compromise their faith for cultural acceptance and to remain steadfast in their convictions despite societal pressures.

 

[Ace777]

do not wish to have children (unless via adoption).

I have a lot of respect for people that take in foster children. Even though they get paid pretty good for that. I think there is a real warning in this for people that have abortions. For me children do not come with an owners manual. There are a few books out there but they do not help much. Your post here goes a long way in teaching people how to properly raise up a child.

Proverbs 22 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it

 

[AlexB23]

I have a lot of respect for people that take in foster children. Even though they get paid pretty good for that. I think there is a real warning in this for people that have abortions. For me children do not come with an owners manual. There are a few books out there but they do not help much. Your post here goes a long way in teaching people how to properly raise up a child.

Proverbs 22 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it

Amen for that, and hey thanks for the compliments on my post, but it is straight from the Bible. One of my friends is thinking about becoming a foster parent, but she and her husband are currently almost struggling financially with this inflation stuff going on. The Bible is the owner's manual for children and life in general.

 

[Ace777]

she and her husband are currently almost struggling financially

My understanding is they pay you a lot of money to be a foster parent.

 

[AlexB23]

My understanding is they pay you a lot of money to be a foster parent.

True, but my friend is not ready yet.