The Bible presents a consistent theme that children are not only capable of glorifying God but are also often used by God to demonstrate His power and wisdom. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, Scripture provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the spiritual potential and significance of children in God's plan.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, children are seen as a blessing from the Lord and are integral to the community of God's people. Psalm 8:2 states, "From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger." This verse underscores the idea that even the youngest among us can offer genuine praise to God, which has the power to confound those who oppose Him.

The account of Samuel, who was dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, illustrates how a child can serve God from a young age. In 1 Samuel 3, God calls Samuel while he is still a boy, and Samuel responds with obedience, becoming a prophet who plays a crucial role in Israel's history.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasizes the value and spiritual capacity of children. In Matthew 18:3-4 , Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus highlights the humility and faith of children as qualities that are essential for anyone who seeks to glorify God.

Moreover, in Matthew 21:15-16 , during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus receives praise from children in the temple courts. When the chief priests and scribes express their indignation, Jesus responds by quoting Psalm 8:2, affirming that the praise of children is ordained by God.

The Role of Parents and the Faith Community

The Bible also instructs parents and the faith community to nurture the spiritual lives of children, recognizing their capacity to glorify God. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse implies that children, when guided in the ways of the Lord, will continue to live lives that honor God.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 further emphasizes the responsibility of parents: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the importance of instilling God's commandments in children, enabling them to glorify God through their lives.

Examples from Church History

Throughout church history, there have been numerous accounts of children who have demonstrated remarkable faith and devotion to God. These accounts serve as a testament to the biblical truth that children are capable of glorifying God in profound ways. Whether through acts of kindness, expressions of faith, or even martyrdom, children have often been used by God to inspire and challenge the broader faith community.

In summary, the Bible affirms that children are not only capable of glorifying God but are also vital participants in His kingdom. Through their innocence, faith, and praise, children reflect the glory of God and serve as examples for believers of all ages.Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 148:12,13
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:15,16
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Loving of God in Ourselves and Other Creatures...
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children owe to ... of Divine charity nor directed to the glorifying of God by ...
/.../chapter v of the loving.htm

Adoption
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children, they have no ... of the deed]; the end of obedience is glorifying God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... God's glorifying is creative,"ours only declarative ... As Christ said to the Pharisees,
"If these children hold their ... and man is made a creature capable to read ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

John Chapter xiii. 31-32.
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tares, the children of the ... in Him." For this is itself the glorifying of the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxiii john chapter xiii.htm

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its ...
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capable of religion ... that can reclaim thy wandering children, can impress a ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter i the introduction to.htm

Man's Chief End
... I know that Abraham will command his children, that they ... the highest felicity of
which the soul is capable. ... and zealous should we be in glorifying God, that we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ...
... days they say that nine months' children are formed ... eagerness of our desires, and
glorifying God for the ... in the highest degree observant, capable of perceiving ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi the mystical meanings in.htm

Jesus Born the Son of God.
... were sinners like ourselves, should we be capable of any ... rest, as the greatest of
the children of men ... but as already, though not manifestly, glorifying Him, and ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xvi jesus born the son.htm

The Good Steward
... all the children of men, to be employed in glorifying God. ... open to the view of all
the children of men ... thy understanding, as far as it was capable, according to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 51 the good steward.htm

The Trinity.
... He is capable of being grieved. ... and division, and consequently the unifying of the
children of God. ... in the mission of the Holy Spirit is more glorifying to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xv the trinity.htm

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