Respect For The Ministry

2 Kings 2:23-25
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

 Thought For Today:
The younger couple invited their aged pastor for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. "Goat," the little boy replied. "Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?" "Yep," said the youngster. "I heard dad say to mom, 'Might as well have the old goat for dinner today." (humor).

I always appreciate it when ministers are able to have fun with children. Sometimes, children may not believe that ministers can be fun because many ministers take themselves too seriously. I would hate for any child to be afraid of me as a minister. Elisha seems to be a minister that could not handle being teased or being made fun of. It is important to teach children to show honor and respect to the ministry. However, it is equally important to ensure that they are not afraid of it. If a child becomes afraid of the ministry, they may miss out on their calling from God. The scripture narrates an incident when Jesus' disciples approached him and asked who among them is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a little child and placed him in the middle of them. He then said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:1-6). Solomon said, "The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice" (Proverbs 23:24-25); Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate"(Psalms 127:3-5). Children should know that it is a joy to serve the Lord, and this begins by seeing adults who have fun serving Him.