Some days, I love working with children. I love seeing them memorize scripture or master a new math concept or giggle uncontrollably over something silly. I love when they sit in my lap and their dusty feet swing back and forth against my leg. I love when they play with my hair or save me a seat beside them at movie night.
Other days, I struggle to find the purpose behind what I’m doing. These kids are young. Will they remember me when I’m gone? Maybe some of the older ones will think of me for a few months or so, but for the most part, I will fade from memory. Are they really getting anything out of my Bible story reenactment? Are they connecting with God when we play worship music and invite them to sing along?
Does what I do here really matter?
At the beginning of the week, I found this little excerpt in my devotional, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it… (Resist the urge to skip this part! It’s good stuff!)
“In 1877, Richard Dugdale conducted research comparing the generational histories of two families in New York that lived in the 18th century. The first came from Max Dukes. The second was from the great evangelist and preacher, Jonathan Edwards. Both men lived and died at similar times.
Max Dukes did not believe in Jesus Christ and opposed Christian teachings. He refused to take his children to church, even when they wanted to attend. By 1877, he had 1,026 descendants. Of these, 300 were went to prison for an average of 13 years each, 190 were public prostitutes, 680 were admitted alcoholics, 27 were murderers. By 1877 his family had cost the state of New York in excess of $1.25 million dollars (probably at least 100 times this amount in today’s money. With few exceptions, most of his children made no worthwhile contribute to society.
Jonathan Edwards loved the Lord. He saw to it that his children attended church, even if they did not want to. Despite his demanding schedule he made sure that he spent an hour each day with his children teaching them from the Bible. By 1877 he had 929 descendants. Of these, 430 were ministers, 86 became university professors, 13 became university presidents, 75 became authors, 5 were elected to Congress, 2 were elected to the Senate, and 1 became Vice President of the USA. His family made a tremendous contribution to society. There is no record of anyone of the descendants of the Edwards family having become a liability to the government.
‘He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.’ (Psalm 105:8-9) When one generation serves the Lord and teaches the next generation to do likewise, a pattern for multi-generational blessing is established.” (p. 14, Gareth Stead, Closer to God, Scripture Union South Africa)
Wow. Talk about leaving a legacy!
It’s true that my specific actions here at El Shaddai Children’s Home are temporary and fleeting. The children won’t necessarily remember how I helped them study for their science quiz or how we chatted about movies while we watched the sun set or how my team taught them a new song in chapel.
But whereas my actions are fleeting, God’s work through those actions is eternal. As we sow seeds of Christ’s love through our small works, the Holy Spirit is constantly working to grow those little seeds so that these children grow into strong oaks of righteousness (Isaiah 61:3).
When we give our time and our money to invest in the next generation, we are making eternal investments. God takes our meager offerings and uses them in His transforming work, where He takes children who have been abused, neglected, and forgotten and turns them into men and women of God who love Him, know Him, and make Him known.
The truth is, God doesn’t really need my help in teaching and loving on these kids. He could have used a million other people or done it without any help at all. Instead, He invites each of us along to see the beautiful work He is doing and even join up with Him in that work. He invites us to hug the fatherless, to financially support the impoverished, to tutor the forgotten, to feed the hungry.
And as we say yes to that invitation, as we give from our hearts and pour into the least of these, we are able to be a part of something far greater than ourselves. We are granted a front row seat to watch God save, redeem, and restore a people dearly loved by Him. We are able to play a small part in the formation of future mothers, teachers, authors, political leaders, pastors, and world-changers.
What we do matters because of what God does with what we do.
Did you catch that? Or should I say it again?
What we do matters because of what God does with what we do.
So… what are you doing? How are you responding to God’s invitation to join Him in loving the least of these? How are you using your money and time to partner with God as He prepares the leaders of the next generation?
Ask God how he wants you to partner with Him in raising up the next generation of Christ-followers and world-changers. Then, say yes to what He asks of you… and enjoy the ride! You just may find that in blessing the least of these, it is you who uncovers a blessing.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James 1:27
