It was an ordinary Sunday morning after service, filled with the hustle and bustle of fellowship and mutual encouragement. An orderly queue had formed as churchgoers and members lined up to procure their lunch plates. Everyone was looking forward to a delicious church meal after a sweet time of worshipping together and hearing God’s Word preached. I noted an extra set of hands helping with the dishwashing this morning and could not help but smile. This new dishwasher needed a high stool to complete her work, her little hands deftly drying plates and handing them to her mother. She hadn’t yet celebrated four years on this earth and was already joyfully loving the church family by cleaning their lunch dishes.
Depending on our cultural context, we view childhood in very different ways. Some cultures believe children should begin contributing to their families from a very young age. Other cultures emphasize the freedoms of a play-filled childhood and hesitate to create work for the younger members of society. Still other camps argue for finding a tension between the two, providing ample opportunities for both play and work that contributes towards the greater good of their family and community.
For the good of the children
Scripture has much to say on the value children bring to their families. Psalm 127:3–4 tells us “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” We read also of Jesus’s love for little ones (Matthew 19:14), God’s desire for children to hear and understand his commandments (Deuteronomy 6:6–7) and the importance of parents’ instructing their children in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). The Bible is saturated with examples of children being included in God’s perfect instruction. These are foundational building blocks for parents to encourage their children to one day knowingly and joyfully accept the Lord as their Savior.
As we know from Scripture, actions must follow God’s Word. Believers do not contribute merit to their salvation by obeying the Lord. Rather, living out the Christian life is a natural outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s work within our hearts. Our lives and how we conduct ourselves must be soaked in the words and actions of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:49 promises us that, “just as we have borne the image of the man of dust [Adam], we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven [Jesus].” This practical outworking of the Holy Spirit within us also extends to our example in Christian service. Jesus gave his followers a perfect example of sacrifice and service to others. As we grow in our sanctification, our lives should gradually reflect Christ more and more on how to love and bless others.
As we know from Scripture, actions must follow God’s Word. Believers do not contribute merit to their salvation by obeying the Lord. Rather, living out the Christian life is a natural outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s work within our hearts. Our lives and how we conduct ourselves must be soaked in the words and actions of Jesus Christ.
What implication does this have for our children and how they are involved in serving others? Believing parents are charged with the monumental task of discipling their children and raising them in the Lord (Proverbs 22:6) so that they may walk with Christ all their lives. Discipling our children is not a guarantee of their salvation as only Christ alone can accomplish that work in a child’s heart (John 1:12–13). It can, however, create many natural conduits by which we can point our little ones towards Jesus and his work on the cross. The cherished time and diligence spent pouring into children will greatly benefit their long-term spiritual and emotional well-being. Alongside teaching them the Bible and praying with them, involving them in service to others is a wonderful way to further shape them in their spiritual walk. Serving people aids in developing a sense of Christ-like compassion, empathy, and a willingness to sacrifice for others. Childhood should most certainly be filled with joyful play and sweet freedoms; however, there is great value in beginning to instill early work ethics and assisting with the needs of others. Alongside the liberties of childhood, it is healthy for parents to foster God-glorifying qualities within their little ones. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit alone that causes a person’s heart to bear the fruit we see listed in Galatians 5:22–23. Only the Spirit’s working can truly alter heart posture. Parents can, however, provide their children with instruction and settings where their children have the opportunity to recognize and value communicable attributes that reflect God’s nature. At this age, application can most easily take place within the home as children learn to navigate family relationships. However, practicing things that reflect God’s nature (mercy, love, goodness) can also extend to the community and the local church as well. This can shape their character development but benefits and blesses others as well.
For the good of the church
Practically speaking, children are capable of far more than what we often give them credit for. Perhaps they can help set things out for a coffee fellowship, assist with cleaning tasks, or become a pint-sized greeter for their church’s front entrance. Older teenagers can be enlisted to help with little ones or can be given opportunities to help with aspects of the service (singing, playing musical instruments, etc.) My own six-year-old son was elated to be recently asked to help with organizing our church’s clothing closet because he knew it meant assisting those in need. There are a myriad of small tasks that can aid the local church. Seeing children joyfully serving the Lord in these small ways can also be encouraging for older church members. It is edifying to the greater body of Christ and does the church good for its logistical needs to be met by every generation.
Paul affirms the faithfulness and valued contributions of Christ-followers from different life-stages. So too must we encourage and cultivate faithfulness in both the older and younger generations within the church.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he writes about being encouraged by the faithfulness of multiple generations: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well” (1:5). Paul affirms the faithfulness and valued contributions of Christ-followers from different life-stages. So too must we encourage and cultivate faithfulness in both the older and younger generations within the church. For older saints to come alongside children and teach them how to love Christ and love their neighbor is an invaluable usage of time. These life-lessons are worth far more than words could ever describe.
In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “You may speak but a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian Church in years to come.” A little one that is learning to love their neighbor and serve others for the first time may also one day become a valued mentor, church leader, or evangelist. These service opportunities alongside older believers will be foundational for them personally, while also equipping them to one day pour into others.
For the glory of Christ
Prayerfully, we want to raise up offspring that will one day proclaim Christ’s name and further his kingdom. We want to be carefully cultivating our young ones to become the hands and feet of Christ (Isaiah 52:7). We want to be imparting to our children that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Loving our neighbor blesses the recipient and enriches our own Christian growth as well. Even more importantly, it is fulfilling Christ’s desire for our lives because “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6). One of the most practical ways in which we can be teaching our children to imitate Christ is by having them serve in a way that reflects their capabilities and giftings.
One of the most practical ways in which we can be teaching our children to imitate Christ is by having them serve in a way that reflects their capabilities and giftings.
There are many ways to continue to build up the foundation of our children’s lives, teaching them to know, love, and walk with God. Learning to bless their church community is one such fundamental step that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. These opportunities will not progress perfectly: The platter of cinnamon rolls for the coffee fellowship might be accidentally dropped or your pint-sized church greeter may reluctantly have to overcome some shyness. The teenager on stage may play the wrong guitar chord. Even so, allow them the privilege to serve in their areas of gifting. Let us boldly teach our children to glorify their Lord and Savior in all things, both great and small! Let them serve others that they too may be blessed.
