The Day of Children

Jack T. Chakhesang In a few days, India will celebrate Children’s Day. The country’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was born on November 14, 1899 and his birthday is dedicated to children as he was very fond of them. He was affectionately called Chacha (Uncle) Nehru. The late R.K. Laxman, renowned cartoonist of The Times of India, once described him as “gentle, cultivated and caring.” He authored two books which have been widely acclaimed in literary circles---these are “Glimpses of World History” and “Discovery of India.” As a matter of fact, most countries of the world observe Children’s Day but at various times of the year. The day, as usual, is in honour of some distinguished scholar, prominent political leader or others renowned in their countries for their contribution or movement to better the lot of children in every aspect. However, celebrating Children’s Day on a particular date is but merely symbolic. In a deeper and more practical sense, teaching and learning are continuing processes and the Bible has its own interpretation of the meaning of children. So, it can also be said that every day is Children’s Day. HUMAN RESOURCES When we say children, the word “education” immediately springs to mind---the two are inextricably linked; for, while children learn the basics of life at home mainly through their mothers, the three “R”s are learnt in the classroom. Good mothers and fine teachers contribute to the solid foundations of a child’s upbringing which in turn eventually improves the society and hence the course of history.Resources are things that can be used to provide the means to satisfy. In other words they are not resources until people are able to use them. Because human wants are very diverse, and extend from basic physical requirements such as food, clothing and shelter, through to ill-defined aesthetic needs, resources encompass a vast range of items. It is the intellectual resources---its ideas and technologies---that determine which aspects of the environment meet that society’s needs, and therefore, become one of the many essential resources. As such, it is not surprising that several years ago the Union Ministry of Education was categorized and renamed as the Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD). One of God’s purposes for human marriage is that a husband and wife produce children and build a secure and contented family. Godly people regard children as a gift from God, and aim at bringing them up to know him and walk in his ways (Deut 6:69; Psalms 127:3; Eph 6:6; 2 Tim 3:15). Children, therefore, are human resources. However, in a world spoiled by sin, not all children grow up in a secure family environment. As a result they may be greatly disadvantaged and even exploited (Exod 22:24; Deut 26: 12; 27:19 James 1: 27). JESUS BLESSES LITTLE CHILDREN The faith of those who brought children to meet Jesus implies several factors. Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this, he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” The he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them (Mark 10:13-16; Matthew19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17). Others brought their children to Christ to be healed when they were sick; but these children were under no malady, only their parents wanted a blessing for them. It is a good thing when we approach Jesus ourselves and bring our children to him, before we are driven to do so (as we say) by woe or need. The parents desired that Jesus would lay his hands on the children and pray. Imposition of hands was a ceremony used especially in parental blessings. It intimates something of love and familiarity mixed with power and authority and bespeaks an efficacy in the blessing. The fault of the disciples lay in rebuking the people for being vain and frivolous, impertinent and troublesome. It is well for us that Jesus has more love and tenderness than the best of his disciples had. And let us not discountenance any well-meaning souls in their inquiries after Christ, although they may be weak. If he did not break the bruised reed, then we should not. The children of believing parents belong to the Kingdom of heaven, and are members of the visible church. For this reason, they are welcome to Christ who is ready to entertain those who when they cannot come themselves are brought to him. HELPLESS CHILDREN? Jesus had a special concern for children and warned against ignoring or despising them. Referring to their being simply dependent on others, Jesus illustrated the attitude that people must have if they are to enter the Kingdom of God. People must realize that they are as helpless as children before God. They enter the Kingdom of God not by their wisdom or achievements but solely by accepting God’s grace (Matt 18:1-4; Mark 10:13-16). When the Christian realizes that in God’s eyes he has no more power or status than a child, he will be specially considerate of all other children, making sure he has nothing to cause them harm (Matt 18:5-10). The “children” referred to here are both those who are children literally and those who are children in the sense of being new believers with childlike faith (1 John 2:12-13). Sometimes the young see truths that those of traditional views fail to see (Matt 21:14-16). Another way in which the Bible speaks of believers as children is as children of God. In one picture they are born into God’s family through the life-giving work of God himself (John 1:12-13). This means they are re-born or regenerated. In another way they are adopted into God’s family and given the status of mature adult sons (Rom 8:15-17; Gal 4:5-7). As children of God, they are to develop the character of their Father (Matt 5:9, 48; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 2: 29; 3:10). The Bible uses the picture of children in yet another way when it likens immature Christians to children who have not grown up. Like babies they still need the “milk” of introductory teaching, when they should be feeding on the “meat” of more advanced teaching (1 Cor 3:1-2; Heb 5:12-14). Love for the spectacular is another sign of immaturity. Christians should have the innocence of children in relation to evil, but in their minds they should be mature adults (1 Cor 13:8-11; 14:18-20). God has a special concern for orphans (Deut 10:18; Psalms 68:5), and he wants his people to have similar concern (Deut 26:12; James 1:27). In circumstances where orphans are left poor or defenceless, people who are cruel or greedy can easily take unfair advantage of them (Exod 22:22; Job 24:3,5; Isa 10:2; Jer 5:28). Although he will punish the oppressors (Deut 27:19; Psalms 10:12-15; Mal 3:5), he expects his people to defend the oppressed against injustice (Deut 24:17; Job 29:12). He also expects them to help provide the needy with the necessities for everyday living (Deut 16:14; Job 31:16-17. So far, we have been concentrating mainly on the Christian aspects with regard to children. However, each and every community in the world adhering to whichever religion also has similar view points. And it is for sure that most children sit on their mothers’ laps and listen to various folk tales as also stories of great deeds of valour and fidelity. This also have I observed many times. That it is a mistake to underestimate the intelligence or verbal potential of even the tiniest child. Author of the book “Our Kids” Robert Putnam wrote in Harvard Kennedy School magazine: Our sense of “we” has shriveled. Now when people talk about “our kids,” they don’t think about all kids. This leads to a situation that’s bad for the economy and bad for democracy. But it’s also just not right. We have an obligation to care for other people’s kids too. BOOK CHOICE FOR CHILDREN There is infinite joy in reading beyond the textbooks and children are fortunate that there is a vast menu for them to select, or have it selected by concerned elders. There are no hard and fast rules for selecting books for children as such because many of them tend to go for books beyond their age groups. However, for pre-schoolers and beginners, authors to read include Eric Carle, Eric Hill, Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Ladybird “Talkabout” books, Richard Scarry and Sarah Toast. For ages 5 to 8, authors include A.A. Milne, Astrid Lindgren, Alf Proysen, Enid Blyton, Graeme Base, Nilima Singh and Richard Dahl. For ages 9 to 12 authors recommended are Beverly Cleary, Edith Nesbit, Eleanor Farjean, Frances Browne, Judy Blume, Kalpana Swaminathan, Mary Norton, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Rudyard Kipling, Ruskin Bond and Susan Jeffers. For ages 13 and over authors include Anne Frank’s Diary, Frances Hodgeson Burnett, Gerald Durrell, H. Rider Haggard, Jean Webster, L.M. Montgomery, Oscar Wilde, Roger Lancelyn Green, Runer Godden and Susan Coolidge. Always keep in mind that the best children’s books are never boring or condescending. Folk tales and fables also cater to children’s menu. One prime example is “1001 Arabian Nights” which has a wide scope of coverage. It is a pleasure to read and re-read them. The Panchatantra and Tinkle comics also are good sources for children to peruse. OTHER SOURCES In addition to reading, children should be encouraged to see selected films. Of late, most children have become glued to TV channels like Dore Mon, Chota Bheem, Cartoon Networks and the only negative aspect about such addiction is that they have bypassed other equally, or more, interesting visuals and so need to be supervised firmly. They need to be disciplined judiciously and accordingly. There are film versions of tales by Hans Christian Anderson, Walt Disney and many others of the same genre. With such ripe fruits to be plucked and enjoyed, according to Frederick Douglas: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Swiss humorist Theodore Geisel who wrote children’s stories under the pen name “Dr Seuss” once said: “Adults are just obsolete children and the hell with them!” And last but not the least, the Bible advocates to teach children the right path and no matter even if they go astray, they will eventually come back to it. Happy long life to all children!!!