Thinking Out Loud, Volume CCCLII

There are two ways we can look at it, and there are valid points on both sides of the issue. I've heard the debates from both sides, and each side used Scripture to back up their arguments. We'll take a look at both sides, but first let me set the foundation so we'll have a better understanding as to why there's a debate in the first place. Every sound minded individual reaches a point in his/her life that's commonly referred to as "the age of accountability," which is a stage of life where an individual becomes responsible for his own decisions and actions, including securing his soul salvation. Small children naturally have not reached the age of accountability, and the majority of their decisions are made for them, usually by their parents. Consequently, those innocent little ones are often made to suffer due to the unwise actions of their caregivers. That leads to the question of just how much responsibility does society in general have in helping to provide for these children. (When I use the term "society," I'm referring to individuals who may choose to help on their on free will, not government aid.) Some may argue that our requirements are great, while others may be effective in pointing out that our responsibilities are much more limited, so that we don't teach them that if they fail to take care of themselves, someone else will do it for them. Let's examine the issue. There can be no argument on this point: Children have no say whatsoever as to what type of family they are born into. In that respect, fortune smiles on some, while others are most unfortunate. One of the most powerful passages of Scripture used in favor of offering our assistance to these needy children is found in Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus told his followers that "I was naked and you didn't clothe Me, I was hungry and you didn't feed Me, and I was sick and in prison and you didn't visit Me." When they questioned Him about just when they had failed Him so miserably, He responded, in essence, that when they failed to provide those services to those around them, it was as if they were failing Him as well. Wow!! Those are some strong words! On the other end of the spectrum, there are some equally strong words that condemn a man who will not provide for his family. In fact, according to the Bible, that man is worse than an infidel. That, of course, is referring to adults, but what about the children who make up that man's family? Go to the seventh chapter of Joshua and read the story of Achan. He blatantly disobeyed a direct command and had to die as a result, but his entire family had to die with him, although they were innocent. Does that not also happen in our world today? How about the children who have to ride in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated parent? What about the kids left at home when Dad has to go to prison? Are they not, in their innocence, also forced to pay for the crimes of their parents? Now, during this season of giving when our thoughts turn to "love and good cheer," what are we supposed to do about those less fortunate, especially the children? Yes, it's true that children must also help pay for the sins of their parents, but don't they already do that on a daily basis anyway? And besides, who appointed me to be the judge? I must stop to consider just how many mistakes I've made in my own life, and, but for the grace of God, my kids could be suffering for my sins. Before I start throwing stones, I should recite the verse that says, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Or maybe I could read Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, lest you, too, be judged." In his Thanksgiving message, our pastor quoted a statistic that said if we have food on our table, spare change in our pockets, and any amount of money in our checking account, we are among the top six per cent of the wealthiest people on earth. We may not think we're rich, but we are. I urge each of you to find someone who needs help this Christmas season, and do what you can to make their Christmas just a little bit better. If you don't know of anyone in need, ask your pastor. Chances are, he'll know of several. Who knows, you may help change a life of some child for all of eternity. Preston