kids count

-by Christy Fitzwater

For a long time I taught kids at church because I had kids and felt obligated to get involved.  I enjoyed it and felt it was valuable, but in the back of my mind I always thought someday I would “graduate” and move on to work with adults, where teaching about God was really important. 

Then I watched the Jesus video for children, which depicted the story of Jesus’ life from the kids’ point of view.  I saw them wrestle with who Jesus was, as they listened to Jesus and then also listened to what their parents were saying about Jesus.  I realized kids have to go through the same thought processes as adults, to decide whether they will follow Jesus or not.  God said to me, The souls of children matter. 

Then I went on a two-week trip to Africa where I was going to do something really important and teach adults the Bible.  But I stood up one night to tell my story of knowing Jesus, and I looked down into a sea of children.  The adult Bible study went horrible during the week, but I really felt like I connected with the kids.  The souls of children matter, God said to me. 

I came home, feeling like a failure when it comes to talking to people about God.  Then I walked into a room full of children where I teach at church every Wednesday, and God said, The souls of children matter. 

Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 18:3)  A child’s humble, open heart puts him at the perfect place to receive Christ.   

What children are in your circle of influence?  Your own kids?  Grandkids?  A neighbor kid?  Nieces and nephews?  The souls of children matter.  Look for every opportunity to talk to kids about God.