RECEIVING A LITTLE ONE

See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 18:10).

Children are an awesome responsibility.  I believe one of the things this verse teaches is that the angel of each little one is keeping record of the wrongs done to that child by those who should know better; wrongs for which they must give account in judgment: Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but who ever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6).

Each year close to a million and a half babies are killed when their mother's pregnancies are aborted.  I use the term babies because, with the use of modern technology, one can view all the distinguishing characteristics of a human being right down to the nipples on a one-inch fetus.  In almost every case, the reason for abortion has to do with the view one has of that little one growing inside.  The eyes of faith view baby as a blessing; the eyes of unbelief see that little one as a burden to heavy to bear.

Granted, I am a man writing these thoughts for women facing the challenges of bearing and raising a child in difficult circumstances, so perhaps I do not understand the anxiety in their lives.  Nevertheless, if a little one is received as Jesus the blessings will be more enormous than the challenges.  Receiving Jesus means that a lot of changes will occur.  It is no less so in receiving a child in Jesus' name, but they are good changes.  For those who cannot bear the changes, what a wonderful gift of life can be given to a couple who have room in their hearts for a little one, but cannot conceive new life on their own!