It's time to start the meeting - let's put our minds to work
What nasty things can you suggest, that'll make them go berserk?
    We'll all work hard together, they'll not get any peace -
     Just  work flat out, enjoy yourselves, don't heed the old
Police!

Don't give them time to think of God - just occupy their time.
It's great when after prompting them, they carry out a crime.
   Then later on, when they're in court, it's we they'll try to
blame.
   The magistrates will laugh at them - we won't bear any shame.

We can tempt them all to borrow, and to spend and spend and spend -
They won't have time to spend with God, or visit lonely friends.
    Keep them well distracted,  let their  radios blare loud -
    It's hard to hear the voice of God in loudness and in crowds.

Don't let them find the solitude to quietly think and pray.
They'll find the non-essential things will busy them each day.
   And when they think of Christmas, let them write it with an X,
    The thought of Jesus coming - that's really too complex.

If you don't want little devils to play their games with you -
There's lots of things that you can do - I'll mention just a few.
    Just put your hand in God's hand, let him firmly lead the way -
    When there's quietness and beauty, it's far easier to pray.

Don't turn to retail therapy, or things which jam your mind -
But look for inner happiness -  of quite another kind.
   Throw away the scratch cards - don't pin your hopes on chance
-
   Get rid of little devils - then with the angels you can dance.

Copyright 2006

We had a little sketch at our service for young people (as you do) and
it was about The Little Devils' Convention.  I asked for the notes,
brought them home, and as near as possible, using their words, wrote
the above poem.  I posted it onto my website on Monday.  On Tuesday an
editor of a children's online newspaper in Mumbai asked if they could
publish it.  The newspaper covers many English speaking countries, and
would reach children who probably never go to church.  So from our
church in Ilkley to all the world in one week.  Everyone said:  "God
would love this and I'm sure Jesus would surely be using the internet
for spreading the gospel if he were here today."  What do you think?
Some of you may like to use it in your churches for a good sketch.