“An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Luke 9:46-48 ESV

And that title isn’t mocking or lighthearted in the least way. When I say the church nursery is the best place to serve, I am very serious. When I tell people that serving in the preschool and elementary departments is vitally important to the health and well being of the church, I’m not being smarmy in an attempt to recruit a few more suckers to the worst job in church. Yet so many people view serving in the nursery of with children and youth like it’s the bottom rung job in the church. Every Sunday, in every church, there’s probably an ad in the bulletin looking for nursery workers.

The people in churches who humbly serve week after week with our infants, preschoolers, children and students are the most important volunteers in the whole church. Most of the other tasks and ministries within the church can be done by just about anyone, but to serve with youth and children takes a truly special individual. There has to be a heart that acknowledges the true calling to work with these precious ones, these children and students who need to see that they are valued and important and a needed part in the body of Christ.

They are the excitment, the joy and the enthusiasm. They are the unbridled passion and the source of wonder. They are the eyes of discovery and the reminder to us all of how we are to see God. Toddlers don’t analyze the parts of the Trinity, they don’t need to, they simply accept and love God in faith. They don’t need a special banquet every year to thank them for what they do, like they must be bribed to serve again. They don’t demand care, we inherently know they need it. And so often we should look at life the way they do.

Is someone hurting? Then you go cry with them and hug them and love them and bring simple comfort.
Is someone laughing? You don’t need to know why. If they’re joyful, you be joyful with them!
Is someone new? Then you play with them.
Is someone sad? Then you include them.
Is someone doing the thing you want to do? Then you remember that sharing is good.
Is someone being mean? Then you remind them that friends are kind to one another.

A simple faith is not a lacking faith. It is a living, active faith, and there is no wondering why Jesus told us to look to children for our inspiration. This is why Jesus told us their hearts are worth emulating. This is why Scripture says that pure, faultless religion is taking care of orphans and widows in their distress.

To work with children is to kneel on the floor, to humble your speech and to enjoy the simple things of God. If we want to be effective in how we GoLove everyday, we must take this into the very depths of urge to hearts, not just our consideration. This isn’t a principle for a select few to put into practice on Sundays in the nursery at church. This is a serious message for us all. If we are going to follow Christ, we must relearn ‘greatness’ and daily wear the mantle of humility.