Let The Children Come!

The Father made these three statements: (1) Unless we change and become like little children we will never enter the kingdom of heaven; (2) Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven; and (3) Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me (Matthew 18:1-6). What comes to your heart when you read these statements?

It seems to me that Father was showing us how much He loves little children, telling us what attitude of heart to have, and what He considers important and valuable to Him. Moreover, He told us in verse 10-11 to see that we do not look down on one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Now what comes to your heart if you have children? I can tell you that these words from Jesus mean a lot to me and made a world of difference in the way I deal with my children as a mother. Father loves all of us. But do you see how much emphasis he puts on the children?

Raising our children in the training and the fear of the Lord is very important. Giving our children a solid foundation by teaching them the word of God when they wake up, lie down, sit in your house and walk by the way, will make a difference in the way they see life and choose to obey God in their lives (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Since their heart is very tender at a young age, what best time to teach them about the Lord of their soul. Doing so will prevent the hardness of heart that we see in older people (Hebrew 3:7-13).

I found out that children are so innocent, truthful and loving that explaining the simplicity of the gospel to them allows them to give their heart to Jesus fully, trustfully and lovingly. I've given my heart to Jesus and had my first communion when I was around seven years old. I can tell you that I will always be grateful to the Catholic nuns for teaching me about Jesus and His love for me. I remember still now how I felt because I gave my heart to Jesus and accepted that He loves me enough to die for me. I felt so special. Now I know how special I am also to Him. He did it all!

That was the first step of an ongoing relationship leading to at least thirty some plus years, and still going. Now looking back and analyzing the various stages of my life, I can see that Father has always been there for me. He was there when I didn't know how to serve Him. He was there when I didn't know how to love Him. He was there when I didn't know how to pray Him. He was there, always guiding, always helping, always loving, always giving.

Why am I telling you all that? I have taught my children about the Lord, asking them to give their heart to Him, but made the mistake of telling my daughter that she didn't need to get baptized when she wanted to at the age of seven. To me being baptized was for a later time because Jesus, Son of God, who grew in the grace of God, and having favor with God and man, got baptized only at the age of thirty.

What I didn't understand is that Father was teaching me through a little child perseverance. He took that time to make everything new in my mind and teach me the meaning of His word. He has always say and is still saying, “Let the little children come to me! Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God! (Marc 10:14; Luc 18:16) Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Obeying the commands of God to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you apply to all human beings of all age (Matthew 28:19-20). Only the Holy Spirit can touch a heart and make the person accept and believe in Jesus. Accepting the Father's call at a young age without coercion is all fine. Glory to God!

Father is raising sons and daughters, and the younger people are to accept the Lord, the more teachable they will be. If anyone is in Christ, the person is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3-8). Teaching our children the word of God, and allowing them to participate in the call of God on their lives at a young age will allow them to: (1) learn to hear the voice of God; (2) have a humble and submitted heart to serve Him; (3) accept, have hope and understand what He is doing in their lives; and (4) love Him wholeheartedly (Ecclesiasts 12:1-8). As we do our parts of winning souls for the kingdom, Father is able to keep everyone that will come to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). Hallelujah!

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus