I just love baby dedications. A few times during the year our church sets aside part of the regular Sunday morning service to dedicate babies to God. It’s fun because you never know how those little ones are going to behave. As our pastor takes the babies in his arms one by one, I always watch closely to see how they will react to him. Sometimes they play with his mustache, sometimes they are content and other times they get scared and start to cry.
No matter how they react, the pastor always prays over the baby and its parents. I love watching each family commit to raise their child in a godly home and promise to teach them about Christ’s love.
However, what I love most about baby dedications is when the pastor turns to the congregation and asks us if we are willing to live a life that will point these children to the Lord. He asks if we are willing to be part of the group of people who will ultimately help these children come to know Jesus in a personal way.
Each time there is a baby dedication, it is a time of personal reflection for me. It’s a time for me to recommit my life to the Lord as I realize that I have an important job to do – not only for my own family – but for the kids in our congregation and community. You see, it’s not only each individual family’s job to point their children to Christ, it’s the responsibility of the entire church body.
My devotions right now are taking me through the book of Leviticus. It’s a strange book to read, full of rules and regulations for the Israelites. However, one phrase stood out today – “generation to generation.” The Lord is clear that what He’s telling them is not just for them at that one point in time; it’s to be passed on from generation to generation.
Just as the Israelites were responsible to pass their laws, customs and traditions to future generations, today we are responsible to pass our love for the Lord and knowledge of His Word to the children around us.
There are so many ways to encourage kids in our community. To name a few; you can coach a little league team, volunteer at church in the kids program, help at a VBS, volunteer in a school classroom, buy some lemonade from the kids down the street, write a note of encouragement to a child you know, attend a program, school play or sporting event of a child in your community to support their talents. You can also financially support a child in another country, pray for them and correspond with them. All of the examples I just listed are ones that I’ve seen people in my community do.
Don’t forget, kids are always watching you. Most often they’re watching your actions. If they look up to you and they see you doing something inappropriate, they will think it’s ok for them to do it, too. This week, ask God for a specific way that you can impact future generations.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:9-14
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we know you love children dearly. While your Son lived on earth, he took extra time to talk to the children whom He met. We want to follow Your example and show extra love to children. Please show us how we can do this. Holy Spirit, please lead us to the area of service where we can help children grow to love You more. We want to live our lives so that children have an example of how to love You. Amen
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