The Faith I Live By

Little Children May Be Christians, September 21

Preparing for the Heavenly Home

Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14. FLB 270.1

God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the household of faith, and have a most precious experience.^{108Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 169.} FLB 270.2

I was eleven years old when the light broke into my heart. I had pious parents, who in every way tried to make their children acquainted with their heavenly Father. We sang the praises of God in our household. Every morning and evening we had family prayer. There were eight children in the family, and every opportunity was improved by our parents to lead us to give our hearts to Jesus.^{109The Youth's Instructor, November 3, 1908.} FLB 270.3

Children are most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years.^{110The Youth's Instructor, November 3, 1908.} FLB 270.4

Happy are the parents whose lives are a true reflection of the divine, so that the promises and commands of God awaken in the child gratitude and reverence; the parents whose tenderness and justice and long-suffering interpret to the child the love and justice and long-suffering of God; and who, by teaching the child to love and trust and obey them, are teaching him to love and trust and obey his Father in heaven. Parents who impart to a child such a gift have endowed him with a treasure more precious than the wealth of all the ages—a treasure as enduring as eternity.^{111The Ministry of Healing, 375, 376.} FLB 270.5

Never allow your children to suppose that they are not children of God until they are old enough to be baptized.^{112Child Guidance, 499.} FLB 270.6

If properly instructed, very young children may have correct views of their state as sinners and of the way of salvation through Christ.^{113Testimonies for the Church 1:400.} FLB 270.7

In love, faith, and prayer let parents work for their households, until with joy they can come to God saying, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me.” Isaiah 8:18.^{114Christ's Object Lessons, 195, 196.} FLB 270.8