Children are precious to us and to Jesus. But to satan, they are potential recruits; small soldiers. “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But 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.”  Mark 10:13-14

We know that the enemy prowls around seeking whom he can devour. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

But do we ever think about the fact that this includes our children and grandchildren? We may be very devout in our faith, walking closely with God and being an example to those around us, but are we pouring into those little ones?

As much as we would like to think that little ones would be off-limits to the enemy — that he would fight fair and only those who understand and can resist would be targeted — that simply isn’t true.

He infiltrates our home and begins to plant seeds of darkness very early. He deceives us into thinking our children are too young to understand when we raise our voices to each other. Then we wonder where they learned to raise their voices to us.

The enemy convinces us that our children are not paying attention to the television shows that we know we shouldn’t be watching. And we wonder where they learned to exhibit those words or behaviors. Satan deceives us into thinking it is humorous when our little ones say, “No, no, no.” We may even giggle and ask them to repeat. But then we wonder why, when asked to do something, they say, “NO!”

The enemy is very cunning. He is incredibly deceptive and divisive.

He desires that our children and grandchildren would be as far from God as possible. This is because, the more he can deceive them while they are young, the better the chance that they will become adults who are far from God as well.

We are at war. It’s not just fought for the souls of our neighbors and friends who don’t know the Lord. It’s being fought for those tiny little souls being developed right there in our homes and the homes of our children. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-4.

Those precious little faces that we adore so much are the faces of small soldiers. Right now, they are in boot camp. And we — the parents, grandparents, church family, and friends — are their superior officers. Are we training them to effectively wage war against the enemy?

Or are we treating them like sweet little children who have their whole childhood to grow up? Do we think or say, “Now is not the time for responsibility, rules, and discipline?” If we do, the enemy is rejoicing over the impact that he will have on their lives.

If we don’t teach our children obedience, responsibility, and the things of God now, how will they be obedient to God’s word and seek after Him later? “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-2.

And what path will they choose if we haven’t poured God into their lives early? “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. Teach them to be obedient small soldiers; obedient to you and to the Lord.

We can’t wait for our children and grandchildren to teach themselves about God. He has instructed us to teach our children the things that He has done for — and revealed to — us throughout our lives. “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9. Teach them all that God has done for them, through you, and help them to want to be small soldiers in His army.

He has told us to be an example and a teacher. Are we the example that He has called us to be to our little ones? Are we immersing Him in the word and ways of God? “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7. Teach them the battle plan so that they will be equipped with the spiritual weaponry necessary for a small soldier (and a large one).

Our children and grandchildren are small soldiers. The harsh reality is that they will either be soldiers for Christ or the enemy. If they aren’t being taught and filled with the things of God, the enemy IS teaching them his ways. If they aren’t taught to serve and follow after God, they will be doing the will of the enemy.

Sadly, we will not be able to go with our children everywhere that they go. But God can.

We will not be able to help them with every trial that they face. But God can.

We will not be with them through out their earthly lives. But God can.

Let’s teach them to be small soldiers in God’s army. Teach them to obey, serve, and honor Him, the Commander-in-Chief.

Father God, we ask your forgiveness where we have fallen short in teaching and raising our children/grandchildren. Enable us to teach them how to love, honor, and serve you. Forgive us for not equipping them now for the things that they will face later. We ask Your forgiveness when we aren’t good stewards of the most precious things You asked us to steward: their little souls and lives.

We pray that you would help us to cherish them as much as you do. Burden us to lay the groundwork so that those small soldiers will become commanding officers in Your army, Father. Lord, we ask Your hand of protection over our little ones. We ask, Father, that you would continue to equip us to equip them. Holy Spirit, convict us in a new and fresh way. Remind us that they are watching, listening, and following how we live out our lives. Be glorified in us and them, Father. We pray this in Your precious and Holy name, Jesus. Amen.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. God wants to forgive you, love you, adopt you, and draft you into His army. That prayer is the most important thing you will ever do.

When you have prayed that prayer or if you have any questions, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer for you and help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

Luv Ya!