The Gospels describe people bringing children to Jesus for blessing. The disciples tried to stop them. Jesus said he welcomed the children to come to him. Jesus said, “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14 NIV).
In my travels, I’ve discovered that kids can make the most insightful instructors. In them, I see a pure faith and innocence that believes in and accepts Christ. We can learn valuable lessons from the simple faith of children.
The Faith of Children — Why It Matters
Let’s look at Matthew 18:3 (NIV) “And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” How do we develop a childlike faith? This journey starts with humility, a trusting heart open to God’s love, much like the simple trust a child has in their parents. The innocent curiosity of kids shines through as they experience wonders, learn with enthusiasm, and develop a deep and unwavering faith. God wants us to cultivate a simple and pure faith, like that of a child.
When did you last approach God with such childlike trust?
Children’s Joy Despite Hardship
In nations grappling with rampant childhood hunger, amidst the sights and smells of poverty, we’ve conducted many Vacation Bible School classes in simple churches and sometimes makeshift school buildings. Despite the struggles they face, the bright-eyed wonder of kids makes them especially receptive to God’s love. With hearts overflowing, they sang a song of pure joy, their faith in God’s love a tangible presence.
The children, without complaint or grumbling, placed their faith in God, trusting him with their problems. Their joy doesn’t come from possessions, but from a deep, abiding connection with God, a love that fills their heart with peace and contentment. They understand genuine joy comes from trusting in God’s unwavering provision and strength, a faith that brings peace and purpose.
We share in their joy, their laughter echoing as they proudly display their completed arts and crafts projects. We bring jars of glitter in every color imaginable, sheets of stickers with whimsical characters, and boxes of brightly colored crayons for the children to use while decorating their Gospel lesson pages. The children, rarely seeing such fascinating supplies, squealed with delight.
When the lesson ended, the children excitedly scattered across the grass, searching for dropped beads and craft items to take home as treasured keepsakes. As I watch, I picture God patiently waiting, hoping we will search for Him with the innocent joy and deep compassion of a child. The simple, trusting faith of a child encourages a more straightforward approach to belief.
Bold, Simple Prayers of Children
I love to listen to the children pray during these classes. It reminds me of the power of direct, trusting communication with God. As adults, we complicate prayer while children simply ask and believe. A child doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. They tell God about what they need and trust him to provide. A child isn’t concerned about what others think or how smart they sound. They approach God without shame or self-consciousness, knowing he accepts them. And children express gratitude for even the smallest things.
To pray with childlike faith is about cultivating a relationship with God that is characterized by trust, honesty, and joy, just as a child relates to their loving parent.
Generosity in Children
The children in Haiti surprised me with their generosity. We watched as the older children carefully divided the steaming food, making sure each younger child received a portion. They gathered the younger children, gently guiding them to sit, before dividing the meals. They knew God provided, and they shared their good fortune. Even with limited possessions, the spirit of true Christian generosity flows from the heart’s abundance.
What We Can Learn from Children
By cultivating a childlike faith, characterized by simple trust and unwavering belief, we can foster a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. We can learn to trust God with the simple, unquestioning faith of a child by finding joy in small blessings; a simple act of kindness or a moment of quiet reflection can bring immense happiness. This kind of faith calls us to give generously, even when you yourself have little to spare; share what you can. I encourage you to observe children’s faith in your own lives and let it inspire you to a deeper faith.
Children are the future of the church. And they are teachers of faith today.
Prayer for Childlike Faith
Father, I pray you help me receive your kingdom like a little child. May I have the faith and trust of a child, and may I approach you with a pure and innocent heart. Help me let go of any doubts or fears that may hold me back from entering your kingdom. I ask for your help and guidance on this journey. Thank you for your love and mercy. Amen.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I love that we can learn many valuable lessons from the young children. My husband and I learn something new every time we are with our grandchildren. 🙂 Blessings.
Their faith is so pure and simple. We learn lots from ours too. Blessings ❤️
As a teacher, parent, and grandparent, I’ve learned so much from children. Their fresh view of life is so refreshing. It’s helped me continue to be a life-long learner. Enjoyed your message, Yvonne. Thank you.
Thank you Katherine. I’ve learned much from them also and enjoy learning now too. God bless
Thank you. Just what I needed to hear. Reminds me of the joy I had during my two decades of full time ministry – both as a Christian school headmaster and a local church minister with responsibility for both the children’s ministry. I remember the joy of leading children’s worship for over a decade, playing my guitar and seeing the joy in the children as we sang and as we memorized Bible verses.
Great memories. Children are such a blessing. Thanks Jim and God bless.
Such a great reminder to be childlike in our faith. I pray to have joy in all my circumstances and to be able to pray bold prayers like children. Thank you for the reminder
Thank you Karen. We can learn so much from the little ones. God bless.
What a wonderful reminder, Yvonne! I love your real-life examples of the lessons we can learn from children. I pray daily to have childlike faith. Love this message!
Thanks Melissa. The faith of the children we work with continues to inspire me. God bless
Oh, that we could be like children. Children are loving and like little sponges, absorbing knowledge of the Word of God. I love this and will share with my ladies FB group page.
Thank you and blessings
Beautiful post, Yvonne. We don’t talk enough about a child-like faith that Jesus described in Matthew. Love your lessons we learn from children. I do pray for for a childlike faith. When my kids were younger and now my grandchildren are prime examples of this when they pray and the things they say.
It is important for us to have faith like children and I pray for it too. We can learn much from them. God bless.
“Bold, simple prayers of children,” yes! I agree. Hearing a child prayer humbles me.
Amen Priscilla. It is so amazing to hear them. Blessings to you
Your experiences with children really bring Jesus’ words to life. How touching to see them sharing their food.
It was an amazing thing to witness. I pray for all of us to have such simple faith. Blessings Debbie.
Children are so awesome, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing about them. As I read your post, I thought about how the world looks at us and belittles us or doesn’t understand us, maybe much like we may tend to do the same about children. But Jesus values them and rightfully so. Yes, indeed, we can learn much from the faith of children.
So true Stephen. God values everyone equally and we should do the same. Thanks and blessings