Years ago two young boys were close friends. They played together, went to school and church together, and were even baptized together. But as they grew older, life became harder. Death came to both families, work was hard, the families struggled, and in the world was the constant threat of war.

The boys listened in church, but in time they became confused. Where was the love and encouragement they heard about? Was God real? Worried about the feelings they were having, they boldly went to their pastor for help. Finding him outside his office, they poured out their hearts to him.

When they finished, the boys looked at the man for guidance. But he appeared bothered and impatient. He looked sternly at each one in turn and with no emotion said simply, “You just need more faith.” Then he turned and walked away. No compassion. No love. No encouragement. No caring.

Be ready to give the reason.

This is a true story. It gets worse. Both are grown men today. One no longer believes in God and finds Jesus little more than a myth. The other says he still believes in God, but there is little in his life to demonstrate that or show that he follows Him. How does that make you feel?

Jesus had some stern words about this. Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. ¹

Peter in his own way touched on this as well. In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience… ²

Show you are a child of God.

Now this is not to strike down a pastor, nor is this simply about little children. The word Jesus used for “little child” actually refers to a boy or girl from an infant to one in the teenage years. ³ Jesus also at times referred to His adult followers as children. ⁴ So who is Jesus really talking about?

To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. ⁵ This is about you and me.

And it all comes down to one question. Do people find in us and our actions the love of Jesus, or do they instead see pretenders? People are always watching us, always needing love and encouragement, always searching for the Way, the Truth and the Life. Let’s give them something worth seeing.

 

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck

 

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching others how to “encourage one another as long as it is called Today!” He is also an author, speaker, teacher, and encourager. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. You can learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

 

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Matthew 18:5-6. (2) Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. (3) The Greek word Paidion can mean an infant of either sex, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; and figuratively, an immature Christian. (4) Read Mark 10:24. The Greek word used here is Tékna and means children. (5) Read John 1:12-13..

Pictures: Banner: Two Little Boys, created by ImagineGolf, Getty Images. (1) A Busy Pastor, from “How Does a Busy Pastor Plan His Daily Schedule?” by Brian Croft, Crosswalk.com. (2) Jesus With a Little Child, Artwork of Jesus Christ, created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (3) To Become Children of God, Image created by Heartlight.org.