Happy Monday! I hope you had a FABULOUS weekend!
This week’s devotion is “It’s Not My Problem, or Is It??” Written by Dot Boyd Soldavini! Please take the time fo read as she shares her heart with us today!!
Make it an amazing week!!
It’s Not My Problem, or Is It?? – Dot Soldavini
As society continues to normalize sin, it has become even more important that we provide and promote safe environments for children. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, this should be a top priority. As society tries to make sin into “right”, we must continue to hold steadfast to the Bible’s definition of sin. Also, as society seeks to normalize abnormal sexual and relational behavior, they are making it easier for predators to pursue victims. Activities that are now being disguised as “family-friendly”, leave children vulnerable to harm.
Matthew 18 warns us about the vulnerability of “little ones” (including children) and encourages us to stand on guard and be protective.
Matthew 18:6 – But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:10 – Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
So what can we do to be watchful and proactive, in protecting children from harm?
1. Make sure we ourselves, are not treating children with contempt or neglecting them.
Children are God’s gifts, and as believers, we are obligated to treat them with love, compassion, and protection.
2. Provide a safe environment in our own homes in terms of shielding them from things that can cause harm to their bodies (physical), mind (emotional) and spirit (spiritual). Also, keep them from environments that are not safe.
a. Be DILIGENT in ensuring a safe environment! Be aware of children’s surroundings, at all times. Remember that predators groom their victims, so be aware of situations where an adult seems to be inappropriately trying to gain a child’s trust/affection.
b. Monitor their activities. Keep a watch on children’s online and offline behavior.
You can spot potential threats and deal with them, accordingly.
3. Bring them up in a way that glorifies God. Educate them about God’s Word. It is our duty to instruct children on God’s written Word. They will be better able to form a moral compass and make moral decisions going forward. Also, be a godly role-model for them.
4. Pray for them. Pray for God to keep our children safe and secure. Pray for God to protect them and lead them in the right direction.
5. Seek His direction and wisdom in everything we do, as we work to safeguard these precious children.
6. If you see that a child has unexplained changes in behavior or personality, seems anxious, becomes uncharacteristically aggressive, has knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age or has changes in eating and/or sleeping habits, take action to determine whether they are experiencing abuse.
7. Talk to and listen to children. Have age-appropriate discussions about what constitutes inappropriate behavior by others.
So, it’s clear that we have a responsibility to protect children within our sphere of influence, but what about those outside of our sphere?
As believers, we have a moral obligation to inform the appropriate authorities when we see or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. In the case of mandated reporters, we have a legal obligation, as well. In my state of Missouri, there is a long list of those considered mandated reporters including (but not limited to) physicians, nurses, psychologists, day care center workers, teachers, principals and other school officials, and other persons with responsibility for the care of children.
In my 13 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), I saw cases where children were abused by multiple predators. Others were aware of, or suspected the abuse, but did not report it, because they felt it “wasn’t their business.” Only when it was reported, did these children get the help they needed to heal, and were placed in a healthy, safe environment.
Although the CASA organization through which I served children was secular, I was blessed to see children placed in Christian homes and be able to support them and pray with them and their families (but that’s a story for another time).
So, as we go about doing the Lord’s business, may we strive to protect all children with whom we come in contact, and safeguard them, as much as possible. This includes children outside of our sphere of influence, as well. It’s the Lord’s business, and therefore ours!
