At 13 years old, I wasn’t sure how to process how a child could cause me so much pain. It was 2015, and I found myself once again trying to care for my new foster brother, who trembled violently with a rage that outsized his little frame. Years later, I now look back and recognize the signs of mental unhealth, traumatic suffering, and true spiritual oppression. But back then, all I knew was that this little boy was unlike any child I had ever met. Never had I seen so much pain, anger, horror, and aggression in such a condensed and unescapable reality. I remember begging God for mercy – for this little boy, for my family, and for myself. Seeing him that way even led me to ask God, “Is this boy even a child anymore? Why should I care for him?”
Fast forward over a decade, and I now find myself serving weekly in West Shore’s children’s ministry, Awesome Adventure. I often look back and thank God for the hard times I went through while serving in foster care. Because of those experiences, I have seen His redemption firsthand. I learned that when every easy and delightful aspect of a child is missing, you can no longer rely on those benefits to help you love them well. Instead, you must either redefine the person in front of you as less than human, or you must depend on the truth of God’s Word to define them. We live in a world that has rejected God’s Word, and frequently reduces children to something less than human. It’s up to us to stand against these lies and value children in light of how God sees them.
While there are so many lessons about children that we can glean from Scripture, there are three I’d like to focus on. These are truths that our church values. They encourage me to press forward in loving children, even in the worst of scenarios! I offer them not only to encourage you, but to challenge you to join me in valuing, protecting, and enjoying children in a world that continues to abuse them.
Children Are A Blessing And A Reward
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3
Our society is filled with subtle narratives that undervalue the worth of children. These narratives portray them as interruptions to our comfort, our success, and our freedoms, or even as commodities to enhance our lives. The Church, however, has long resisted these lies, promoting the intrinsic value and immediate gift that all children are. God’s Word teaches that children are a heritage from the Lord and a reward. In other words, those to whom God gives children are blessed by Him.
I see West Shore recognize the gift of children most prominently during our Child Dedication services, held twice a year. Here, parents, siblings, and friends affirm their children’s value, purpose, and gifts from God. It’s here that we stand against a world that devalues children and instead recognize that their presence in our lives is an offering of love from our Father in every way. It’s here that we remember to love our children with intentionality.
Foster care introduced me to the challenges of teaching children to make wise decisions, to stay safe, and to navigate their emotions. Caring for children isn’t easy, but Scripture reminds me that cost comes from a child’s existence, but the curse of sin. When I remember that children are a gift from God, I find their difficulties easier to navigate and their delightful qualities a balm to my soul.
Children are Called by God to Serve Him Now
“Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2
Children are not the future of our church- they are the church right now! Passages like Psalm 8:2 and Mark 10:13-16 remind us that God’s inclusion of children is intentional and absolute. Every week, I am reminded of this as I watch our kids praise God, raise money for the needy, and teach others about Jesus.
Over the summer, one elementary student raised over $200 through a lemonade stand. She then donated her earnings to her classes’ Compassion Child with such excitement and joy — the Holy Spirit was undeniably moving through her! On Easter weekend, during our Family Easter Experience, I listened to a 6th-grader walk her 4-year-old brother through the Gospel. As he proclaimed, “Jesus died for our boo boos!”, she responded excitedly, “He did die for our boo boos! And then He rose again!” Clearly, children are not passive observers in God’s grand story… they are active participants.
Once in foster care, and still today, when I remember the purpose God has given each child, I remember that their strengths are to be celebrated, their weaknesses shaped, and their sufferings recognized. Children are vessels for the will, might, and glory of our God. How could we ever ignore such wonders?
Children Praise And Worship God In A Uniquely Powerful Way
“But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ they were indignant, and they said to him, ‘Do you hear what these are saying?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes; have you never read, Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise?’” 
Matthew 21:15-16 reminds me that the worship of children can proclaim the truth of God’s Word to those who have forgotten. I experienced this personally during WinterBlast, our annual retreat for 3rd-6th graders. Leading this event is a wild blur of details, traditions, emotions, and chaos. It’s easy for me to forget that success is not measured by adherence to the schedule, but by our children’s adoration of Christ through prayer, worship, Bible study, and praise. This year, as I ran around “putting out fires” during worship time, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of children dancing. All around the room, at the top of their lungs and through every inch of their bodies, over a hundred children praised the Lord, singing, “You called my name, and I ran out of that grave!”
Tears sprang to my eyes as a conga line formed, a comical yet intentional celebration of Christ’s resurrection power. Not despite the chaos – but through the child-like celebration – I experienced the Spirit’s reminder of my own salvation. I was reminded that the glory of Jesus Christ, the wonder of His mercy, and the graciousness of His sacrifice are all worth celebrating.
Once in foster care, and still today, when I witness the trust children so easily place in our Savior, I am reminded that I also can trust, worship, and enjoy God. When I see them struggle to trust Him, often due to the darkness of this world, I am reminded to pursue them like Christ once pursued me.
Conclusion
Any of the childlike qualities I’ve experienced can be witnessed at West Shore on any given Sunday. We are blessed with a church full of children, including many who exhibit qualities like the foster brother I once cared for. Initially, I did not see Christ in that little boy, and it led me to question why I should even care for him. Now, I can see clearly that it is my duty and privilege to care for children, not because of what they can do for me, but because God Himself adores them. He is the one who blesses me with their presence, calls them into this world with intentional purpose, and enables their hearts to worship Him freely. Until Jesus returns, our world will continue in their attempts to decrease the value of children. I invite you to join me in standing against such darkness.
How can we do that?
Serve the children in your life with intentionality.
Speak the truth of God’s Word to them and over them.
Humble yourself to learn from the children around you.
Be inspired by their joyful faith, even as they are refined by your wisdom.
Welcome children around you into ministry and join them in theirs.
Do not forget what James 1:27 teaches us: worshiping God with purity requires caring for children in need. Serving children is a gift; to teach them, an honor. To be sneezed on, smart-mouthed, or have our patience tested by a child is to be dirtied as we wash the feet of Jesus’ chosen disciples. I pray that you’ll join me in this mission and receive the blessings God offers to you.
Learn more about our Children’s Ministry, including ways to serve and get involved.
