Living In The Light

August 10, Children, Useful Workers for God

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
—Matthew 18:10 LL 236.1

In their early years, children may be useful in God’s work. They are the younger members of His family, and He will give them His grace and His Holy Spirit, that they may overcome impatience, fretfulness, and all sin. Jesus loves the children. He has blessings for them, and He loves to see them obedient to their parents. He desires them to be His little missionaries, denying their own inclinations and desires for selfish pleasure to do service for Him; and this service is just as acceptable to God as is the service of grown-up children. LL 236.2

The Lord Jesus received the mothers who brought their children to Him for His blessing. He appreciated their earnest desire that in their early childhood their children should be brought to Him, that He might put His hands upon them and give them His blessing. What comfort and encouragement this should give parents to teach their children that Jesus loves them and will receive and bless them. Parents, teach your children that Jesus has given His own precious life, in order that they may come to Him and receive His blessing. LL 236.3

Children should pray for grace to resist the temptations which will come to them—temptations to have their own way and to do their own selfish pleasure. As they ask Christ to help them in their life-service to be truthful, kind, obedient, and to bear their responsibilities in the family circle, He will hear their simple prayer. When very young, children may be taught to be useful in the home life, to live to please Jesus, that they may become members of the family above. They may be missionaries in the home, relieving, as far as possible, the weary mother, who has so many cares and burdens to bear. LL 236.4

Parents, help your children to do the will of God by being faithful in the performance of the duties which really belong to them as members of the family. This will give them a most valuable experience. It will teach them that they are not to center their thoughts upon themselves, to do their own pleasure, or to amuse themselves. Patiently educate them to act their part in the family circle, to make a success of their efforts to share the burdens of father and mother and brothers and sisters.— Review and Herald, November 17, 1896. LL 236.5

Further Reflection: : In what ways can children be little missionaries for Christ? LL 236.6