Caely Judy is passionate about teaching the next generation about Christ. With a degree in psychology and a minor in art, she has worked with children for several years. She is an artist who uses her work to spread joy and hope.
I have been working with children for many years, ranging from infants to teenagers. In working with these various ages for so long, I can clearly see habits that tend to fit into certain age groups. Specifically, when it comes to taking on responsibilities and tasks. Younger students light up when they are given a role of responsibility. In my classroom, I assign a “clean-up crew” for each class. When elementary students see their name on the board, they are ecstatic. I can’t remember a time when a student around 5th grade and below has ever asked to be taken off the board. Students love to pass out tools, clean up, and help other students when needed.
Around middle school, something begins to change. Maybe it’s the pressure of how they are perceived by others, or beginning to learn about their own autonomy, but when many students get to the higher levels, they do not see service as something enjoyable like they used to. It begins to become more of a chore rather than a privilege. I have to help instead of I get to help. From then into adulthood, service begins to feel like a speedbump in our day-to-day lives. We know we should help others, because we often need help ourselves, but we still don’t always enjoy the inconvenience. Human nature at its core revolves around serving itself.
As I’ve witnessed this with my students, I began to compare their behaviors with the Scriptures from Matthew 18. The disciples ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus pulls a child to him and replies: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
The disciples probably did not expect this answer from Jesus. Children – who didn’t have status or authority, are the example Jesus chooses to demonstrate the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I pray for humility and selflessness and hope that I can have the willingness and eagerness of a child when opportunities arise.
