“Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?" Matt. 21:16.
Children tend to do what they are taught. Parents are meant to teach their children how to worship and praise. They teach them to do this by their own example, by requiring them to be involved in the worship in services, and by praising God at home, in family devotions.
Children generally love to sing. Parents have great opportunity to develop this desire and instinct into a habit that helps establish the spiritual life of the child. Just as parents teach their children to tithe by their example and by instructing them how to handle their own money, they also teach the children how the presence of God comes in worship and praise.
If rocks can praise God and children praise God and all of creation praises God, then adults should join the ‘concert of earth and Heaven’ and praise Him as well. If children watch you in the church service, do they see you lost in praise and adoration in the worship service? Or do they see you on your phone, staring about, mute and unengaged?
Let us all encourage the next generation by our example, instruction, and passion. “Prime the pump” of your own heart by releasing passionate, faith-filled praise and discover a new depth in God as His presence transforms you wonderfully and mysteriously. 2 Cor. 3:18.