The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy. I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10

The secularization of our public schools has been the norm in my lifetime. In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayer in public schools. Since then, groups such as Child Evangelism Fellowship and Gideons International have found creative approaches to helping children come to Jesus through after-school Bible clubs and Bible distributions.

But recently in Orange County, Fla., Satanists have lobbied for an equal presence and the right to distribute their own materials – in the form of The Satanic Children’s Big Book of Activities. (Can you say “beyond creepy”?) Their purpose: to force the hand of school board officials so no religious materials of any nature can be distributed. Now the school board is carefully considering the wording of such a proposal.

That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. – John 1:15

And be warned. Such a proposal is likely to come soon to a district near you. Such people won’t stop in Orange County. The darkness is encroaching, but we can take comfort in knowing the light will overcome it.

Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World

Now that you have that potentially annoying Sunday school song going through your head, reflect on its truth. Children are precious to Jesus, and what’s near to His heart must be near to ours.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10

Children need to hear about Jesus, with many only hearing His name used in vain in their homes. (A little girl in my own neighborhood had never heard His name at all.) He is the only hope for the world. And our children need hope now more than ever. Take this from a woman who has worked with children for more than 20 years.

And a terrible judgment awaits those who, like the Satanists, lead children astray.

It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. – Luke 17:2

Being Ambassadors for Christ and Advocates for Children

The rising tide of darkness requires greater intentionality on the part of God’s people. Intentionally forge relationships with families – families in your neighborhood, families from your children’s schools, families from the soccer field and from the music studio.

Consider opening up your home for an introductory Bible study with other moms. Host a play group in which you do a devotion. Contact someone with Child Evangelism Fellowship about hosting a backyard Bible club over spring or summer break. Invite families to join you at church, and if you can, treat them to lunch afterward. Go dutch if you can’t.

In other words, we do what the church (i.e. God’s people) was supposed to be doing all along. Just sing to yourself, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”

And when you find yourself humming that song to yourself later today or tomorrow, don’t think of me. Think of a child who needs Christ. Then let your light shine, because you are a child of light.

 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16