It may be tempting to treat children as inconveniences... even the disciples didn't want Jesus to be bothered by the children, so that He could focus on more important things! But Jesus insisted, "Let the children come!"
Our children are our disciples, our apprentices... Adults In Training (AITs). We have a limited amount of time before we commission them, sending them out on their own to navigate life as adults. With that sending mindset, we must intentionally prepare them, equipping them to own their faith for themselves!
May it never be that we negatively influence children or others with our hypocritical behavior! We must live sincerely in order to best represent Christ to the next generation. Jesus' charge not to judge must be properly understood in its context, that we beware of hypocrisy but willingly and lovingly give and receive correction - a call to every Christian and to every parent!
Without a solid foundation, we are on shaky ground! Many people are building their lives on sand, instead of the rock... We have the opportunity to help our children to establish their lives on a foundation that will hold them through the storms of this life and all eternity!