Jesus said that adults must become as little children to enter the Kingdom. Since He exhorted us to get wisdom, He wasn’t referring to the foolishness or lack of training children can exhibit.
He was referring to their open spirit, receptivity, trust, belief, and faith.
When does a child enter the Kingdom?
At the earliest possible age—which varies from child to child.
From the time we knew we were expecting our children, my husband prayed, “Father, cause them to come to know Your Son as Savior at the earliest possible time.” We didn’t know what time that would be.
To our surprise, they’d all made personal decisions of faith in Jesus as Savior by age six. Some, at age three.
How do they enter the Kingdom?
Through faith.
How do they get that faith?
Hearing!
How do they hear?
If you have the opportunity, speak love and truth (together) to them in the womb. Play certain portions of Scripture, worship, and spiritual blessings. Bless them while they are in the womb.
When they arrive, continue! Because they soon are on the move, how you accomplish these changes, and that’s fine, just continue with adjusting for their stages.
At the earliest possible time, have them listen personally to certain portions of Scripture. Engage in an interesting way to memorize Scripture. Some churches participate in AWANAs which is a weekly children’s program based on Scripture memorization. The Cubbies group focuses on children 3-4 years old; its mascot is a little Bear and his adventure stories and weekly Scripture.
You don’t have to go to certain places to memorize Scripture or be in particular programs.
But, find a fun, sing-songy way to get Scripture in them.
Night is such a pivotal time. Playing certain portions (and I say certain portions because they do not to hear “In the last time there will be awful days,” etc. at night!) at night just saturates their spirit with Scripture and builds their faith without any work on you!
What happens then?
The Holy Spirit activates their spirit with faith and reminds them of the Scripture they’ve heard. He also speaks to them directly.
Why do parents need to know this?
Because Jesus said do not hinder the children in coming to Me.
1. Parents can hinder their children? Yes! How? By putting “our stuff,” or our religious affiliations’ “stuff,” or our “family stuff” on them.
Some churches have many protocols for how and when a person can be saved and/or baptized.
When your child begins talking to you about being concerned about hell, about sin, about Jesus, THAT is their appointed time of salvation.
Your only job as a parent is to work with the Holy Spirit and not hinder your child. How? Pray simply with them after you’ve simply explained that “all have sinned,” that “Jesus took the sin for us,” and that “you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you will be saved.”
That’s it!
Be prepared that it may be much earlier than you expected. But, it’s no surprise to the Father who is calling them by His Spirit and quickening their faith as He reminds them of the Scripture they’ve heard!
2. Parents can hinder their children by publicizing what’s private.
Our children speak from their spirits so many times. It’s precious. It’s golden treasure on earth. What is our response as parents?
Our model is Mary.
1. She had time for Jesus – which we have to be intentional about because of the crazy-busy expectation of life in our current age. Be intentional, it’s worth it.
2. She recognized those moments. Anna and Simeon. The wise men. The angelic-led escape. The boy Jesus teaching in the Temple and his unusual response to her.
3. She kept her heart open. She listened. She recognized and noted those treasures. She most likely had some conversations with Him about treasures.
4. She kept it private. She treasured these things in her heart. Not on social media. Or in family or church gatherings.
The Kingdom
The Kingdom is coming to you through your child-like attributes (open spirit, receptivity, trust, belief, and faith). The Kingdom is coming to you, the King is speaking to you, through your child.
It may not look like you expected, but it is literally coming to you.
It’s our joy and honor as parents to be ready to welcome our children, and His Kingship and Kingdom through them! May the King and His Kingdom be welcomed in your home and through your children!
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Hope Streams
Featured Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
