[B]ut Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3–5).
The story is told of a nine-year-old little boy who wanted to share advice with some other boys his age as they all were looking forward to the church picnic.
“If you go to the church picnic and bring your dog, remember this. When you are eating your food, no matter how much your dog loves you, don’t trust him to guard your food when you have to go to the bathroom.”
Good advice.
Another story is shared of a seven-year-old little boy who, at church one day, saw a particular man that his Dad knew. The seven-year-old walked up to the man and began walking circles around the gentleman, looking him up and down as he circled. Finally, the curious gentleman said to the boy, “Little man, what are you looking for?” The little boy, with a very curious look on his face, stated “My Daddy said you was two-faced and I was looking for your other face!”
It seems this young man heard something that Daddy didn’t mean for him to hear, much less repeat. Parents, we need to be wise about the words we speak in order to be good role models for our children. Also, we should be wise with the words that we speak at home because if we don’t, they may come back to hit us.
A five-year-old little girl very thoughtfully asked her Dad one day, “Daddy, can we get a cat?” Dad, very apologetically responded, “Honey, I’m sorry, but I can’t live in the same house with a cat. I’m allergic to cats.” His little daughter quickly responded in a very serious tone “Well Daddy, you could live outside.”
Our children, in their little minds and in their thinking, very often will think, reason, and come to conclusions that make us chuckle, and sometimes just laugh out loud.
Time and time again, without meaning to be, they are miniature comedians and life philosophers who have some very interesting ways of thinking and unique perspectives and approaches to life.
A little nine-year-old girl was one day giving some wise counsel to her two younger sisters, ages six and seven. With real concern and passion, she told them “When Mama is mad at Daddy, don’t let her brush your hair!”
Our children are precious, each unique, and each one a gift from God to us and to the world.
How important it is that we agree with God’s Word and recognize them as the “rewards” that God says they are.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward (Psalm 127:3).
Children in this world act, think, and react as children. Their minds will see the world from a child’s point of view. We who are entrusted with the very important task of discipling our children, are wise to understand this.
The greatest need that every child in the world has is the same as the greatest need of every adult: to know Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a simple message. It is extremely simple. So simple, that even a child can understand it.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
The gospel is simple, and we are to do our part to help introduce every child to Jesus Christ.
In view of these truths, we as parents are wise to be very intentional and sober-minded about sharing the gospel with each of our children and discipling them.
Often, children come to know Christ in a church setting. But this very important goal does not have to happen in church. Many a child has been introduced to Christ and given his or her life to Christ at home.
All over the world, the vast majority of persons who give their lives to Christ do so before the age of eighteen. This reality should encourage us to put great commitment and passion into evangelizing and discipling children and youth. Whether at home or at church or wherever they are, let's see to it that our children hear the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And let’s see to it that they are invited to give their lives to Him.
For parents and others who have or work with children and youth, the following is a simple prayer you can use to invite a child or youth to commit his or her life to Christ:
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I recognize that I have sinned and done wrong. I repent of all my sins. Forgive me for all the wrong I have done. I do believe that You died on the cross to pay for my sins, and I believe that three days later you rose from the dead, so that I could be saved. Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to die for me. Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Become my Lord and Savior. Make me the person you want me to be. You said in your Word, that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Right now, Lord, I‘m calling on your name. Lord Jesus, save me and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me, and I now confess I am a child of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
