Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red and yellow, black and white

They are precious in his sight

Jesus love the children of the world

This song is known and loved by Christians from their earliest days.  It, of course, refers to the fact that God’s love is not influenced by physical characteristics, but by the heart.  The song is solidly based in scripture as Paul says, “there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek…” (Galatians 3:28).  There is more, however, that we can learn from the song.

God has made each of us with a unique set of characteristics and abilities.  Some are outgoing while others keep to themselves.  Some are emotional, others stoic.  It is an easy trap to fall into where we judge our brothers and sisters by their differences.  We have the tendency to view those who differ from us with some trepidation.  We sometimes question their level of commitment, spirituality, and even their motives.

This ought not to be the case in Christ’s Church.  God has called us out of worldly thinking to be a holy people.  He has placed within our number all the talents and personalities that we need to be His hands and feet and voice to the world.

The opposite side of that coin is that sometimes we judge ourselves because we don’t have the same makeup as someone we respect.  We doubt our ability to make a meaningful contribution to the work.  This is every bit as dangerous and wrong as judging others.  If we see ourselves as weak and insignificant, that is what we will be.  We are all uniquely created and loved by God.

As disciples of Jesus, we all have the blessing of being part of his eternal purpose and plan.  Don’t sell yourself or others short.