“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14)

Although we know the above verse of Scripture and wholeheartedly agree with these words of Jesus there are times we are inclined to act as though young children cannot grasp the Gospel. Jesus goes on to exclaim that the opposite is true: children more readily grasp and receive the Gospel than older people. Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (v 15).

It is faith in Jesus Christ of the same kind that a child has toward his/her parents that brings salvation. Just as a young child implicitly trusts its parents so will the child of God trust his/her Heavenly Father. Indeed, it is this child-like faith that allows one to trust the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.

Since this kind of faith is inherent in a child it only stands to reason that children are more likely to put their trust in the Lord Jesus. It isn’t uncommon for children raised in a godly Christian home to respond to Christ’s invitation as young as four or five. Consequently we would be wise to give considerably more effort and prayer for children to receive Jesus Christ in their early years. It’s always better to pour water on the fires of hell before they take hold and begin destroying the young soul than to wait until the flames are beyond quenching. The signs and consequences of children left to burn in sin are all around us and seen daily.

We count it a privilege to be able to present our children with an infinitely better option but we must never become complacent. This is a joint responsibility of all who belong to Jesus Christ. In addition, there are hundreds of children in our community with whom Jesus wants to enter into a personal relationship. We could make a difference if we all shared in this wonderful privilege and responsibility. There is not much better than looking into the eyes of a young child who has just put their trust in the Lord Jesus.

Today we give thanks to the Lord and rejoice as the children we have grow in their knowledge and understanding of our Saviour. We rejoice in the Lord because our children are hearing and believing the Gospel of Christ. Their life and destiny will be infinitely better for it.