Children as God's Gift
Throughout Scripture, children are repeatedly presented as blessings from the Lord. The Psalmist declares, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him" (Psalm 127:3). This perspective fundamentally shapes how we view young people—not as burdens or interruptions, but as sacred trusts placed in our care by our heavenly Father. In Genesis, we see God's command to "be fruitful and increase in number" (Genesis 1:28), establishing children as central to God's design for human flourishing and the continuation of His covenant people.
Jesus Himself demonstrated extraordinary love and attention toward children. When His disciples tried to send children away, He rebuked them, saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). He even used children as examples of the humility and trust required to enter God's kingdom (Matthew 18:3-4). This tender regard for the young reveals Christ's heart and establishes the standard for how His followers should treat children in their midst.
Training Children in Faith
The Bible places significant responsibility on parents and spiritual leaders to nurture children spiritually. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 instructs parents to love God with all their hearts and to "impress [God's commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This is not merely formal religious instruction but a lifestyle of faith naturally woven into everyday moments and conversations.
Proverbs emphasizes the importance of discipline and guidance: "Start children off on the way they should go; even when they are old, they will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Parents are called to combine loving correction with patient teaching. Ephesians 6:4 clarifies this balance: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." The goal is not rigid control but the formation of young hearts that understand and love Christ.
Protecting and Valuing Children Today
In our contemporary context, believers must actively protect children's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Jesus spoke sternly about those who cause children to stumble, saying it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:6). This sobering warning underscores God's fierce protection of the vulnerable. Churches and families must establish safeguarding practices, create emotionally safe environments, and address abuse with urgency and justice.
As Canadian Christians, we're called to advocate for children's rights, support families, and create communities where young people encounter genuine love and the gospel message. Whether through children's ministries, mentorship, foster care, or simply modeling Christ-like character in our neighborhoods, we can fulfill our mandate to honor the children God has placed in our spheres of influence.
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" — Matthew 19:14