Attention: Conveying appropriate interest, concern, and care; taking notice of others and making an effort to enter into their respective worlds. (1 Corinthians 12:25 NASB)
I, (Linda), have a brand new grandson and he is cute too! 😉 Ya know, as I look at this sweet little one, brand new, he is completely helpless on his own. Without his momma or daddy he would not survive. He depends on them for absolutely everything! He has the greatest need for attention in his life right now as his very life depends on receiving it. We have to enter his world to discover and meet his needs.
This need for attention evolves as our children grow, but the need is always there. From newborn to our last breath we need others to enter our world and share themselves with us.
Our children need their parents to take notice of them. At times if we don’t give the attention our children need, they may begin to act out in a negative way just to get some kind of attention. They really do that at times, don’t they? Let’s focus on giving them positive, appropriate attention BEFORE they demand it in a not so positive way! 😉
Jesus – The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Attention)
When Jesus walked this earth children were considered…. well…they weren’t really considered! Jesus did consider and take thought of the children though! In fact in Matthew 18:2-4 Jesus pointed out how we, adults, should be!
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is not saying we should be childish but childlike in that He wants our hearts to trust Him as a child trusts. Trusting as a child means fully abandoning ourselves to the care and attention of our parents.
Do you think Jesus still wants us to have childlike faith today? He does, my friend!
Won’t you spend some time with your Father today? Abandon yourself to His care and attention! Let God know you trust Him in faith-filled words and actions. It brings Him great joy when you do!
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do: Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Do you think these verses not only suggest but command our paying attention to our children? We are commanded to teach our kids about God, His ways, at all times, meaning…your children are important enough to God that He gives you, the parent, the authority to instruct your child.
These verses suggest entering into your child’s world…talk, sit, walk, lie down and rise purposefully sharing God’s love with/for your children.
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So.
Let your Light shine brightly on your children, my friends! We are shining a light into our children’s lives constantly. Let’s make sure it is the light of God’s love and truth.
You are undoubtedly the first reflection of Christ your children will ever have. Love them as Christ loves you. Treat them as Christ treats you. Teach them as Christ teaches you. Respect, Accept, Appreciate, Approve, Comfort, Encourage, Support, Give Affection, Security and Attention just as Christ does for you! In doing so your child will have the greatest chance of falling in love with The Savior and trusting Jesus with life’s decisions rather than seeing and following only what the culture offers! Isn’t that the goal?!