30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 17 1-2 Children and the kingdom of God 12 Four domains of development of a child
📖 Luke 17:1-2
20Jun2020 - *Four domains of development of a child* - _Luke 17:1-2_ - Bible reading: _Mark 10:13-16_
_Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (2) It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones._
We have been considering *children and the kingdom of God*. Children give us the values of God’s kingdom. The first value of the kingdom of God that we learn by focussing our attention on children is that we will *internalise a culture of willing to be unnoticed, ignored and overlooked but be focussed on genuinely caring for the vulnerable*.
The second value is the *value of Trust*. The third is to have a *hunger for God’s word*. The fourth is the *value of Growth*. The fifth is that we *should not remain immature but be free from malice* and the sixth value that we learn from children is *Humility*.
We have seen such precious qualities from children. What does this tell us? Children are for us the representatives of His kingdom. We, therefore, receive them or give them significance and importance for they are our guides to the kingdom of heaven.
We have also said that children ought to be at the centre, in framing social systems and structures. With children at the centre of all social planning, society will be set up on the right framework. On the other hand, if a community, society or nation does not care for its children, children will be easily lost and the whole fabric of that society will fall apart.
_Mark 10:13-16 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. (14) But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; *for of such is the kingdom of God*. (15) Assuredly, I say to you, *whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it*." (16) And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them._
Children are very special to God that if anyone causes a child, who believes in God to sin it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. _(Matthew 18:6)_
What is it that we need to do for the development of the child? _Romans 15:2 Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification._ The task of the parents and that of the entire community is to edify the child. We must ensure that nothing is done that will disrupt the edification of children.
If we were to measure our social systems and structures on the basis of edification of the child, we will see how far short we have fallen and if we have fallen short in edifying the child then let us be warned of the consequence that is pronounced in _Matthew 18:6_
Before we seek to understand edification, let us understand that learning happens at a very early and tender age of the child. Child psychologists confirm that important values in life are imbibed even by the time the child is three years old. We can then understand the important role and responsibility that parents of young children have in nurturing them. Not only are the parents of young children responsible but the entire community has to provide the ambience for this nurture to take place.
What are the dimensions of nurture? _Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men._
There are four domains of nurture. All of these will be learnt by children firstly by observation of these disciplines in the life of the parents and then by their own application
1. Wisdom – Wisdom is the fear of God that is experienced in everyday life application. Wisdom is the godly way to apply knowledge.
2. Stature – Stature consists of comprehensive development and experiencing wisdom at the spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, social and creational levels.
3. Favour with God – Worship and the centrality of God in the child’s life.
4. Favour with man – Understanding the role of being God’s regents, responsible over all of creation.
All of these are overlapping domains but parents will need to be intentional in the development of the child in all of these areas. This shows the commitment that parents will need to bring to the table in the nurture of the child. Parents will need to be totally God-dependent in order to fulfil their responsibility and so do all of us as caregivers to children in our circles of influence.
*Thought to ponder*
```Society at large has failed our children and we are reaping the horrifying consequences of our failure.```