“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5:1

The Children

A few years ago, you could not turn anywhere in the media without seeing a before and after picture of a certain person who now goes by the name Caitlin. After a little soul searching, I came to the conclusion the matter is between that person and God. The sad aftermath are the children: their children and all the ridicule and media attention which surely accompanies this choice; and all the girls/young ladies whose names are Caitlyn and the teasing that many of them are probably getting. My granddaughter’s name is Katelyn, and I must admit when I first saw the magazine cover, it made me angry. The choice of that name will have consequences for innocent girls. So I started to pray for the children.

I started thinking about the choices I make that affect the children I influence. Do I make right choices? Do they see me living a wholesome, Spirit-filled life? Am I teaching them good life lessons (Deuteronomy 11:18-19)? Am I behaving in a way that will bring honor to them and glory to God?

Interestingly enough, I had just been doing a search for the meaning of the name Katelyn. It means pure (see Matthew 5:8). My mind went down a dark path for a bit, regarding the above situation, but then I had a vision of my granddaughter playing kickball with her great uncle last night. Instead of running to first base, she went way into the back corner of his yard, ran around a redwood tree and back to home plate! Pure joy, on her face and in my heart. The Lord reminded me that my name means reflector of light. Am I reflecting His Light, or am I reflecting a worldly light instead (Ephesians 5:8)? I think, most days, I reflect His light. I ask myself, am I a match, easily put out, a floodlight, blinding others and driving them away, or am I a beacon of light leading people to Him (Matthew 5:16)?

There are shocking things going on in the world, but rather than condemning the individuals involved (John 3:17), I think we have an opportunity to look to the Lord and see: what lessons He would have us learn; who He would have us pray for; what He would have us teach our children and what He would lovingly reveal in our own lives that we need to focus on and lift up to Him to help us be better.

Dear Lord, thank You for the focus You give and for Your Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). I pray for all the children affected in this particular situation, as well as the ones we affect every day. Help us to behave in a way that honors them and brings glory to You. Amen.