Giving Guidance to Children

Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." And He laid His hands on them and departed from there (Matthew 19:13-15).

John MacArthur lists 5 key words that prove helpful in giving guidance to parents and Christian workers in leading children to Jesus Christ. The following are those key words and a brief synopsis of each (see John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, ‘Matthew 16-23’, pp. 182-184).

• Remember - Every child is created by God and already belongs to Him. It is God’s desire and plan that every child turn to Him for salvation (Psalm 139:13-14; 127:3; Proverbs 22:6).

• Teach - Christian parents have the responsibility to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:15). It was the command of the Lord for all of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:1-13).

• Model - Parents need to teach their children the Word of God and set the Christian example before their children inside and outside the home. Eli the priest was a poor model to his sons (1 Samuel 2:12-25), as was King David (2 Samuel 14 - 15). Children learn from their parents what Christian faith looks and doesn’t look like.

• Love - Only parents who truly love their children, weep for them and with them, celebrate life together, show them affection, sacrifice for them, etc., will effectively influence them in the things of the Lord.

• Trust - After having done all that is humanly possible to raise their children in the way of the Lord, a parent must trust the Lord to make the efforts come to fruition. Some say that you can only trust someone who is trustworthy, but in raising children parents have to trust the Lord with their children because He is trustworthy.

Parents who truly love their children know the challenges of raising them in a world that is falling apart. They certainly don’t want their children to go down the path of self-destruction. They want what is best for their children. Why not give them the best by giving them the opportunity of knowing Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Savior? Why leave their minds, hearts, and spirits to chance? 

“Thank You, Lord, for men and women who know Your Word and can glean from it truths that help us as parents to raise our children to love and honor You. Bless them and their families as well, for they are such a blessing to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Pastor