Kristina and I enjoyed spending last Sunday with our granddaughter in the worship service. She is a very active child! I’m know she waved at several people during the service, including myself, as I was preaching. The Bible declares, “Behold, children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Isn’t it wonderful to know that God gave us such a wonderful gift? We need to thank God every day for His blessings and pray about being the kind of parents and grandparents He wants us to be. 

However, sometimes, our little blessing seems more like a distraction from the worship service. Kids are fidgety and loud and are permitted to move freely throughout the day. However, we expect them to remain still for a solid hour on Sunday morning. Are they a distraction to the worship?

Too often in our congregations, the sound of a baby crying or the chatter of a toddler is met with sideways glances or quiet frustration. However, the truth is that children are not a distraction from worship; they are worshippers.

When Jesus’ disciples tried to keep children away from Him, He rebuked them and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). He didn’t view children as interruptions but as essential examples of His kingdom.

Yes, children can be noisy, and wiggly, and unpredictable, but they are also learning. Every song they hear, every prayer they witness, every moment spent in the presence of God’s people is forming their faith. Annabeth will hold our hands while we pray before a meal, and she knows to let go and eat when we say amen! Worship is not about perfect silence; it’s about sincere hearts. And sometimes, the most honest praise comes from little voices who sing off-key or draw scribbles during the sermon.

Psalm 8:2 says, “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength.” Children bring something to worship that we need…a sense of wonder, joy, love, and simplicity. Instead of seeing them as a distraction, let’s see them as disciples in training. Let’s welcome them, nurture them, and rejoice that they are in the house of the Lord.

By: Justin Odom