Learning From a Child

“He called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:2).

When the disciples wanted to know who was greatest, Jesus called a little child, and took him on His knee. The disciples were clustered around Him and saw what He did. A little child in the midst is often used to teach great lessons to older people.

When a new baby comes into a home, God sets it in the midst of that family as a teacher. Parents suppose they are training their children, but the children are also teaching and training them. They may learn more of the meaning of the fatherhood of God, and of the way He feels toward His children, in one week after the first baby comes into their family, than may be gleaned from teachers and books in all the preceding years of their lives.

Every child’s life is a book – a new page of which is turned over each day. Children are not angels, and yet they bring many fragments of loveliness from heaven to earth. Their influence in a home is a benediction. They soften hearts; they change the whole thought of life in their parents. It is no more self; they begin to live for their children. The children open love’s chambers. They train their parents in patience, gentleness, and thoughtfulness. While a young child is in a home, a school of heaven is set up therein. Let Christian parents pray that they not miss the chance of learning such blessed lessons!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this article! Feel free to leave your reflections and ask your questions below.

God bless you and your family, this day and always.

All for our King’s glory,
Christian

photo © Famveldman  |  Megapixl.com

This post is another installment of Miller’s Monday Musings, a weekly series that is published every Monday on my website. The series features selected writings that have been adapted from the works of James Russell Miller (1840-1912), a much-beloved Christian author and pastor who is well-remembered for his practical thoughts on Christian home and family life. Learn more about this weekly series by clicking here.