The Call to Live Pro-Child

From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see that children hold a crucial place in the unfolding story of God’s kingdom. In Eden, God declared that the offspring of the woman would one day crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). From that moment, a fierce spiritual war on children began a war that has persisted through history.

Pharaoh threw Israel’s sons into the Nile (Exodus 1:22). Pagan nations sacrificed their children to false gods (Jeremiah 19:4–5). Herod slaughtered Bethlehem’s boys in an attempt to destroy the Christ (Matthew 2:16). Even today, we see modern forms of this war: abortion, the devaluation of family life, and a cultural narrative that treats children as inconveniences or mere extensions of personal ambition.

A Subtle Neglect

As Christians, we may boldly oppose the anti-child spirit of the world. We may hold pro-life convictions, advocate for adoption, or celebrate children in principle. But Jesus’s interaction with His disciples reminds us that a pro-child position is not enough.

In Mark 10:13–14, when parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples rebuked them likely thinking they were protecting Jesus from interruptions. But Scripture says, “When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’”

The disciples were not anti-child, at least not consciously. They probably believed they were showing respect for their Teacher’s time. Yet, in trying to manage the moment, they missed the heart of their Master the heart of God for the little ones.

In the same way, we can hold the right views on children and still fail to live a truly pro-child life. We can have the correct theology while sending the subtle message, “Not now, kids there are more important things to do.”

The Heart of Christ for Children

To become truly pro-child, we must look to the example of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, children approached Him freely. He didn’t brush them aside. Instead, He welcomed them with open arms, blessing them and using them as living parables of what it means to belong to the kingdom of God (Mark 10:16).

What made Jesus so approachable to children? It wasn’t merely His words but His entire posture His humility, gentleness, and willingness to see and value the lowly. He noticed those whom society overlooked, whether lepers, tax collectors, or little ones.

To reflect His heart, we must grow in three Christlike postures toward children: presence, priority, and prayer.

1. Presence

Jesus was present with children. He wasn’t too busy or too preoccupied with His mission to pause and hold a child. His life radiated a kind of warmth that made children comfortable around Him.

What about us? Do children sense that they are welcome in our lives and churches? Do we stoop low to their level, listen to their questions, and treat them as image-bearers of God?

Being present requires more than programs or activities it requires slowing down, paying attention, and seeing the children God has placed in our paths as blessings, not distractions.

2. Priority

Jesus made children a priority. If anyone could have justified saying “not now,” it was Jesus. He carried the weight of redeeming the world yet He paused to bless children (Mark 10:16).

For us, prioritizing children means intentionally carving out time, not just for their care, but for their hearts. It means creating unhurried moments to play, talk, and listen moments where they know we see them and delight in them.

Children often interrupt our plans, but what if those interruptions are God-given opportunities? When we learn to live an interruptible life, we begin to love children as Jesus did.

3. Prayer

Jesus did more than hold children He blessed them (Mark 10:16). He prayed over them. He saw in their faces not only the innocence of youth but the potential of future disciples who would one day carry the gospel.

Do we pray for the children in our lives by name, consistently, and with faith? Whether they are our own children, our nieces and nephews, or the kids in our churches, do we intercede for their salvation, their character, and their future walk with Christ?

Becoming Childlike

At the heart of Jesus’s teaching is a profound truth “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

Our ability to love children as Christ does flows from our own willingness to become like children humble, dependent, and full of wonder. A proud or hurried heart cannot fully appreciate the gift of a child.

We do not just need better children’s ministries or family programs. We need to cultivate the heart of Christ a heart that stoops low, that welcomes the small and the weak, that loves with a fierce tenderness.

The Call to Let Them Come

If we claim to love Jesus, we will love the little ones He loves. We will say with both our words and actions, “Let the children come to Him.” We will create homes, churches, and communities where children are not merely tolerated, but treasured.

The kingdom of God is not built apart from children it is built through them, as they are raised to know and follow the King who once took them in His arms and blessed them.

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