A friend of mine recently told me the story of a pastor leading a children’s message. The theme of the sermon that day was fellowship, so he asked the children if any of them knew what fellowship was. A little boy sitting right next to pastor immediately raised his hand. The pastor called on him, and because he was sitting right next to him, the pastor’s mic broadcast his response to the entire congregation: “I’m pretty sure that is what my mom and dad were doing in the shower this morning.”

This kind of response from a child is not surprising. My wife taught preschool many years and she would tell me some of the things her students revealed to her about their parents. She told the parents she would not believe what their children said about them if they promised to do the same!

The thing is, children tend to be honest and forthright. They speak their mind. I saw it in my three daughters and am seeing it again as I watch my grandchildren. Witnessing the power of simple, childlike faith continues to amaze me. And our Lord encourages us to be like that.

Matthew 19:13–14 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

I have heard my grandson speak with absolute conviction about Jesus and His love. He knows what His Lord has done for Him and is not shy about vocalizing that. That is the kind of faith and confidence we all need.

Matthew 21:15–16 But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”

A friend of mine who just recently entered heaven was fond of saying, “Did you know that God doesn’t have any grandchildren? We are ALL His children!” Because we know and believe who Jesus is and what He has done for us through His life and the cross and the empty grave, the kingdom belongs to us. We need to be those declaring His praise.