Are you that teenager that is constantly surrounded by little kids? I’m definitely that person! I have three siblings, lots of younger cousins, our neighbor’s little kids are over at my house all the time, and I babysit a lot, at times it seems like I never get a break!
I went through a phase in my life where I was very discontent with this style of life. I complained to God about it all the time. I hated being the teenager with the baby gates in her house, and the little kid table in her family’s kitchen.
Since I’m mostly with little kids and I’m homeschooled, I don’t know what’s “hip” or “cool” and I don’t know who half the celebrities are that my friends talk about. I mean, in my house we watch Lego Ninjago, Sofia the first, and Frozen. Last time I checked, they’re not very popular in the real world.
Last May, I was sitting on my bed reading the Bible when I came across a passage that hit me hard, and my eyes were opened to the reality of the calling God has placed before me. Mark 9: 36-37 “And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’” (ESV)
“Wow,” I thought. “God has given me all these amazing opportunities with children every day, and I’m not using them for his glory.” After repenting, I asked the Holy Spirit to fill me with love for children, and he did.
I remember how not long after this, I realized that I could start sharing the gospel with kids. After all, the gospel is not just for adults, but for children too! Even Jesus himself knows this to be true (Matt. 18:2-4).
However, most kids will pray a prayer to receive Christ at any given time. I remember repeating it over and over at every church service, VBS, etc.
As mature believers we must make sure that little kids understand that a prayer does not save them, but that Jesus is the one who saves them.
Children also need to understand what they’re saying they believe in and be truly repentant of their sins.
I’ve shared the gospel with children more times than I can count, and one of the things I’ve found helpful is to not push children into saying a prayer. If a child mentions wanting to say a prayer, I encourage them to talk to their parents about it, but in most cases it’s not my place to lead a child in that prayer.
In some cases, asking a child to repeat a prayer can be even dangerous, because it can lead to false assurance later in their life. I know many people personally who would tell you they were saved because they prayed a prayer to get out of hell. Now, I want to be clear that I 100% believe the Lord does save people through the sinner’s prayer. But it’s important that people (and children) understand that being a Christian is not about praying a prayer and moving on with their life.
Being a Christian is about walking in a daily relationship with the Lord, and that goes for children as well.
One of the things I love about children is their simple faith. Some of them don’t even seem to understand what relationship means, and that’s why I like using the word “friendship” instead when I share the gospel with children.
After a gospel conversation with a child, I usually sum everything up by saying something like: “Jesus wants a friendship with you!” Some kids will be excited about this, others couldn’t care less.
But don’t get discouraged, God has a good plan! He always saves his people; we aren’t meant to carry the burden of others’ salvations on our backs. Sharing the gospel with people is never something we do on our own anyway. It’s God who gives us those opportunities!
Some of the best memories I have are of being with children and sharing the gospel with them. Through the lenses of Christ, we can see how children really are a gift from above.
If you would like to connect with me and read more of my writing, please check out my blog and subscribe: https://www.rootedinchrist.life
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The kids in my life aren't exactly old enough to really comprehend the gospel, but it is nice to know I'm not the only one whose had a past of being frustrated by living in a house with baby gates, a little kids table, and baby locks on everything that has a hinge. ✨Patience and adjusting✨
Thank you, Lila, for sharing! I am also surrounded by kids often and you're right. I need to see it as an opportunity. Thank you!