Children, I think is one of God’s ways to remind parents that He is present in our childrens’ moments of love and joy.
Looking at how children marvel at their discoveries, how they see the world brings back memories of the time when I was a child. The world is still a marvelous place for them to discover its beauty and mystery, and for giving life to their wondrous imagination.
Children has a natural affinity and connection with spiritual things, and often they have a more sophisticated grasp of spirituality with their simple faith and their ability to not ‘over-think’. Often children are able to differentiate what it means to be religious (i.e., to go to a place of worship) regularly, versus “believing and trusting wholeheartedly in God that watches over me”. Something that many adults might have trouble with separating this difference.
There are many things children are able to teach us about faith in God, here are some of the ways :
Children are examples of humble faith in God
‘Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.’
– Matthew 18:2-5
‘Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
– Matthew 18:10
Jesus blesses little children
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them,“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
– Mark 10:13-16
Jesus has a passion that no child will be lost
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
– Matthew 18:12-14
Children can and will praise and worship God
But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignantand said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, You have perfected praise’?”
– Matthew 21:15-16
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger. – Psalms 8:2
How to train and discipline children
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. – Ephesians 6 : 1-4
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart – Proverbs 29:17
Most of all, children are indeed a blessing from God.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
– Psalm 127:3
All photos featured on this post are taken from a recent June holidays excursion to Sentosa that K had with Pauline‘s kids, T & J.
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