Hot Topics: Child Abuse

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father Who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 (ESV)

Child abuse should be a HOTTER topic, and reports of bad cases appall us. What can we do, or what could we have done? At a minimum are 2 no-brainers:

  1. Pay more attention to those around us!

  2. Intervene and/or report our concerns.

Segue:

We’re ordered by God to love our neighbors, as the 2nd-to-highest commandment. This being said, when Christ says “little ones”, He also refers to new believers:

Hopeful hearts that make the leap to commit… but haven’t grown into seasoned “soldiers”. They don’t know how to fight against Satan– nor how to resist his cunning offers.

I believe this warning most addresses FALSE SHEPHERDS: Christians in name, but not heart:(

‘It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble’ (Luke 17:2).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

I’ve seen unusual maturity in performers called to this mission field, which makes perfect sense, since God is perfect. That being said, please remember 3 things:

  1. Read the Bible, pray, and seek God DAILY. Spiritual "exercise" is crucial. If we get lazy and lose this “muscle”, Satan will attack wherever we’re weak.

  2. Find a church you like and keep a small group of Christians who “get you” and pray for you: people with whom you can share everything– your wins, temptations, and disappointments.

  3. Be kind and shepherd fans who follow you, because fans often have childlike faith– and they’re searching for loving leadership. That’s a guiding responsibility.

Most of all, DO GUARD your own tender heart. Don’t get jaded. Always be excited, and be careful with whom you share your dreams!

Hot Topics: Child Abuse (Part 14)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban