Are They Children?

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     In a congregation in this state we have a man and wife who have opened their home and hearts to children whose parents have been declared unfit to raise a child. The children they receive are given the best of surroundings so far as morals, religious principles and education are concerned. All the children have obeyed the Lord upon reaching the age of decision and remain faithful to him. This work is commendable and exemplary for us all. Neglected children cause much concern to our society. The courts have the legal right to declare parents unfit, but it is still possible for them to have children. When the Lord created male and female, he placed a seed within them, which, when planted in fertile surroundings, will produce after its kind. It will produce a child when planted whether the male and female are joined immorally, or in a relationship of highest moral standards.

     God gave his word to all mankind. That word is contained in the Bible. All the religious organizations today (with few exceptions) have this word. They thus have the seed within, or among them, which will produce a child of God if planted in fertile minds. When one hears the word, believes it, ceases from sin, and is immersed into Christ, he becomes a child of God regardless of the life of the one who taught him the word.

     A child born of adulterous parents should not have the sin of the parents charged against him. Could not that be true of one who accepts Jesus by faith, repentance, and immersion, even though those who taught him are not recognized as "legally" joined unto the Lord? I am sure the court of heaven will declare many religions unfit to rear a child because they have corrupted the doctrine of our Lord. But though unfit, they might still produce a child by planting the proper seed. Such a child would be born of the word which is the seed of the kingdom.

     Shall we tell such they are not children? Shall we charge them with the sin of the parents? Or should we open our homes (churches) to give them a better spiritual environment? Some must believe that no one is a child of God unless he hears the word from the lips of, and is baptized by "a Church of Christ preacher." God is opening up great doors of opportunity. Let us not by narrow attitudes slam them shut in his face. Lift up your eyes and look beyond your traditions to the field white unto the harvest. --Paul S. Ketcherside.