One time a boy named Samuel was sleeping and heard a voice calling his name. He got up and asked the old man who was raising him, named Eli, what he wanted. Eli hadn’t called him. So, Samuel went back to sleep, but was awakened again by the voice calling his name. Once more, Eli said he hadn’t called Samuel – but instructed the boy to answer. So, the third time little Samuel was awakened, he answered bravely: “Speak Lord, for Your servant hears you.” And God spoke with the boy who would grow up to be one of history’s greatest leaders, Samuel -- the great judge of Israel.

As God begins to work in the hearts of our children, they become receptive to the things of God. This drawing often precedes their regeneration. Celebrate each work of grace but be careful to not too quickly rush to label your children a Christian. You can’t thwart the work of God by being cautious, but you can give your children a false sense of assurance by prematurely declaring them saved. Don’t just look for a one-time verbal profession, look for a growing affection for God, his Word, and his people. Rather than you tell them they are a Christian, be patient and let them be the ones to tell you.