Are Babies in Heaven?

God has not left us to wonder where babies go when they die. His Word gives us sufficient evidence  that one day in Heaven, we will see our children who have passed away.  

How does God view children? 

Scripture indicates that God has a special care for children regardless of the circumstances of their death,  their family lineage, or the spiritual conditions of their parents. That care is especially demonstrated in three  passages:  

1. Ezekiel 16:20-21 “And you took your sons and your daughters, whom you had borne to me, and these you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Were your whorings so small a matter that you slaughtered my children and delivered them up as an offering by fire to them?” 

These verses remind us that even though children are borne to sinful parents, they belong to God. He uses  the possessive word my to indicate that they are His children. It is also especially helpful to note that the  choice of the parents to kill the children did not affect God’s ownership of those children. They remained His  despite their parents’ sinful choice. 

2. Jonah 4:11 “And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” 

This verse is especially helpful in understanding that God’s loving compassion extends not only to infants in  the womb but also to young children and individuals with mental disabilities. God makes a very specific  statement in the form of a question to say that He takes special pity on those who have not mentally  developed enough to be able to distinguish between their right hand and their left. This characteristic of God  helps gives hope to the parent who has lost an infant in the womb, a young child, or a disabled child or adult.  God has special compassion for those loved ones!  

3. Jeremiah 19:4 “Because the people have forsaken me and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known; and because they have filled this place with the blood of innocents” 

I include this verse because of God’s particular designation for children. He doesn’t call them heathens or  pagans. Instead He calls them innocents! This indicates that His grace has been applied to those who are  unable to determine right from wrong. What a special designation here that is easy to miss!    

God’s care for children is further illuminated in the Gospels, where we read about Christ’s demonstrations of  love towards children. In Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, and Matthew 19:13-15 Jesus is seen lovingly calling  children to Himself and embracing them.  

It is extremely hard to read all these passages and not conclude that God has bestowed a special grace, love,  and care upon HIS children, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their life and death.    

What can we learn from David’s example?   

After David’s infant son dies, his servants are surprised that David stops fasting and weeping. David responds  to them, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the LORD may be gracious  to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go  to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam 12:22-23). 

Some have said that David’s statement “I will go to him” simply meant that he would join his son in the grave.  But that is no comfort! He was encouraged enough to want to worship, clean up, and eat! So what comforted  him? David knew that he would be in heaven forever after death (Ps 23:6), and he believed his child was now in Heaven for the rest of eternity, concluding then that he would one day see that child again. What hope and  comfort! 

What are some theological reasons to consider? 

I must confess that I have often yearned for a clear, distinct verse that simply said something like, “Be not  troubled, do not fear: your little ones are in heaven with me right now!” Though we don’t have a verse like  that, we aren’t left without anything to hold onto. In fact, the longer I live, the more I realize I have something  even stronger to hold onto—the character of God. Scripture clearly teaches us that God is just, loving,  gracious, and full of mercy. That means the following:  

• God is too just to allow children or individuals without the mental capacity to know right from wrong  to go to hell.  

• God is too loving to allow children who die in the womb due to health or the sinful choices of others  to go to hell.    

• God is too gracious to allow children who are unable to make willful choices to sin yet to go to hell.    

• God is too merciful to allow the choices or circumstances of others to determine the eternal destiny  of a child.    

In the absence of a clear verse, we can hold tightly to the very character and attributes of God.    

In conclusion 

Although I could share much more on this topic, and years of pastoring have given me many scenarios I  would love to bring to this discussion, I’ll try to sum everything up with just a few helpful sentences.    

• If you are reading this with the knowledge that you made a choice to abort your baby, please know  that your sin is forgivable and God loves your child, despite your choice.   

• If you are reading this with the concern that God took your child because He didn’t think you would  be a good parent, please know that there is no record in Scripture that God has ever done that.  Don’t live with the unsettling conclusion that your child was taken because you were a failure.    

• If you are reading this with great grief over the loss of your little one—perhaps from a recent loss or  from many years ago—,please know that God is a comforter and asks you to draw near to Him in  your grief. Your grief doesn’t unsettle God. He loves you and your child, and that love for you both  will never change.  

God loves you and children! “Jesus Loves Me” is a simple song we have often designated as a children’s  song, but it is good for all of us, regardless of our age. Think about these phrases from the song: Little ones to Him belong! Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.   

Rest in the love of God today! 

Being Salt and Light in the Workplace

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:13-16

being salt & light

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus proclaims to His audience that they are both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. From the context of this passage, we know these words are intended for those who believe in Christ—His disciples. To put it simply, being salt and light is part of who we are as Christians. What isn’t as simple, however, is how we live this out—or rather how well we live this out.

Our ability to be salt and light, and to do so effectively, is a challenge. Jesus Himself hints at this when He warns that salt can lose its saltiness or that light can be hidden under a bowl. This reality confronts us with a difficult truth; we can fail to do this well! One arena where this is put to the test is in our workplace. For many believers, the workplace is a central environment where we interact with unbelievers. As Christians, we sometimes forget that it’s not just about the work requirements—it’s one of the many places where we must be salt and light.

Christians don’t always embody salt and light in the workplace, and I believe two key factors often hinder us. First, some assume being salt and light means openly sharing the gospel with everyone at their place of work. This view can perhaps spark fear—proclaiming the gospel might cost us our jobs, especially in companies where policies treat such sharing as a terminable offense. Yet being salt and light isn’t solely about evangelism, though it can include it at times. There may be moments when we’re called to share the gospel with coworkers, even at a risk. But here’s the catch: if we’re not consistently living as salt and light—it will be much harder to earn the trust needed to speak about our faith effectively and ultimately share the gospel when Christ gives us the opportunity.

Second, I think we forget to be salt and light because we don’t always consider the depth of Christ’s metaphor. The very nature of how God created salt and light teaches us much about fulfilling our role. In this article, I want to explore what being salt and light includes and how we can apply it in our everyday workplaces.

light

The Bible often uses light as a powerful metaphor, revealing its nature and actions—frequently tied to God, Jesus, truth, righteousness, and the calling of believers. Understanding how Scripture describes light, especially in relation to Christ, helps us grasp our own role as light in the world. Consider these examples from God’s Word:

• Light dispels darkness - John 1:4-5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

• Light showcases God’s work - Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

• Light guides and offers life - John 8:12,“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

• Light produces good fruit - Ephesians 5:8-9,“Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

• Light reveals truth and aids in cleansing - 1 John 1:5-7, “God is light… if we walk in the light, as he is in the light… the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

• Light provides courage and protection - Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

• Light transforms - Isaiah 60:1-3, “Arise, shine, for your light has come… nations shall come to your light.”

These are just a few ways Scripture portrays light. Many of these qualities reflect Christ Himself, yet they also guide us as His followers. If I’m to be “light” in my workplace, it means forsaking cynicism, ungodly speech, prideful words, lying, gossip, and slander. Instead, it requires that I care for people, speak truth, leave others better than I found them, protect the vulnerable, and seize opportunities to glorify God. Consistently living this way will impact those around us—and brings glory to our God.

Such outcomes can be inspiring, but we must remember that darkness doesn’t always welcome light. Light exposes, reveals, and even repels darkness—those clinging to wicked ways may resist it. Being light at work, doesn’t automatically guarntee an easy work day. Yet we should press on, because darkness is blinding and cold, and our world has too much of that already. True, Christlike light is loving, patient, honest, and transformative. It has the potential to both warm and welcomes the lost to know Christ. We need more Christians who take this role seriously in their workplaces.

salt

The Bible portrays salt as a multifaceted substance, revealing its practical and symbolic roles—often tied to preservation, and purity. By understanding how Scripture uses salt, we uncover what it means to be “salt of the earth” in our lives. Here are some of its effects from God’s Word:

• Salt preserves and prevents decay – Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored”

• Salt enhances flavor – Job 6:6, “Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?”

• Salt purfies and heals  - 2 Kings 2:20-21,“Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, ‘Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water.’”

• Salt seasons speech – Colossians 4:6,“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you mayknow how you ought to answer each person.”

Salt is a remarkable substance. It has the abilty to slow rot, heal, and even improve the quality of life. It is both useful and enjoyable. Does that describe us in our workplace? Does our character slow the spread of worldly decay or enrich the conversations at work? A salty Christian (as described above) will be both helpful and improve upon the atmosphere of the workplace.

What might this look like practically? I picture a Christian worker whose speech is pure (they don’t talk like an R-Rated movie character), they politely refuse to contribute in weekly gossip or slander ( for salt preserves). At the same time, they don’t isolate from people, but find ways to help, show kindness, or extend compassion (for salt enhances). Their presence an steady a tense meeting, bring peace to conflict or even add joy on stressful days. That’s salt at work.

Yet we must be mindful about two truths about salt. First, it must come into contact with something to work. Christians can’t isolate themselves from unbelieving coworkers. They need exposure to our saltiness, just as food needs salt to be preserved. Second, salt loses its effectiveness when contaminated or diluted. We must guard against letting bitterness, compromise, apathy or a host of other sins water down our testimony. Salt that has lost it’s saltniess is, “no longer good for anything, except to be thrown or trampled underfoot.”

CONCLUSION

When salt and light are present, both tend to stand out. Each is distinct, useful, and even appreciated in its own way. As Christians, this means staying engaged and mindful of our role. Let’s not hide our light under a basket or dilute our salt with worldly behavior. Our unbelieving coworkers and friends need us to be what God has called us to be. When we do this well, we actually build wonderful bridges with our coworkers that might even allow for us to have really good gospel opportunities! Lets us endeavor to follow the example of our Savior—Jesus, the light of the world, who loved the lost and seasoned the earth with grace.

Should I Pray Before I Eat?

In the rush of daily life, few things are as routine as eating. We prepare our food, sit down, and begin. But for many believers, there’s a pause—a moment of prayer before the first bite. Some see this as essential, a sign of gratitude and dependence on God. Others see it as optional, a good practice but not required. So, should we pray before meals?

The Bible does not give a direct command, but it does provide a rich framework for understanding why giving thanks before eating is both wise and deeply meaningful.

The Example of Jesus: Prayer Before Eating

One of the clearest reasons to pray before a meal is that Jesus Himself did. At significant moments, He paused to bless the food and give thanks:

·       Feeding the 5,000: “Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” (Luke 9:16)

·       The Last Supper: “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ’This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” (Luke 22:19)

Jesus did not turn every meal into a formal religious ceremony, but He did consistently express gratitude to the Father. If Christ, the very Son of God, took time to pray before eating, it makes sense that we, too, should consider doing the same.

A Biblical Pattern of Gratitude

Paul reinforces this idea in 1 Timothy 4:4-5, saying “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”

The act of prayer does not change the physical nature of our food, but it sets it apart in our hearts. It reminds us that our daily bread is not merely a product of human effort but a gift from God.

Paul also encourages a life of thanksgiving in all circumstances:

·       “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

·       “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

If gratitude is meant to be part of all we do, then surely something as essential as eating is an appropriate moment to pause and thank God.

A Simple Act of Worship

More than just a habit, praying before a meal can be an act of worship. When Daniel was in exile in Babylon, he prayed regularly—even at great personal risk (Daniel 6:10). While praying before a meal is not commanded, it can be a small but meaningful way to acknowledge God in daily life:

·       It reminds us of His provision. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) Even when we buy our groceries with our own money, it is ultimately God who sustains us.

·       It helps us slow down. In a culture that rushes from one task to the next, pausing to pray reorients our hearts toward God.

·       It can be a witness. A simple prayer before a meal—whether at home, work, or in a restaurant—can quietly testify to our dependence on God.

Freedom, Not Legalism

While praying before meals is a wise and biblical practice, it is not a requirement for righteousness. The Bible warns against turning good traditions into rigid laws. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their outward religious practices that lacked true heart devotion (Mark 7:6-7).

Paul also reminds us that matters of conscience should not become points of judgment:

·       “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)

·       “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The goal is not to check off a religious duty but to cultivate a heart that naturally overflows with gratitude.

Conclusion: A Heart of Gratitude

Should you pray before eating? Not because you have to, but because you get to. It is a small yet meaningful way to follow Jesus’ example, express gratitude, and remind yourself of God’s daily provision.

Some meals may begin with a quiet prayer; others may not. The key is not legalistic obligation but a heart that recognizes and thanks God for His goodness—whether in a formal prayer or simply a moment of inward praise.

So, as you sit down for your next meal, consider pausing. A simple “Thank You, Lord” might just be one of the most profound acts of worship you offer today.

Recognizing the Love of Money

Why should we be concerned?

Why should you be concerned about loving money? You should be very concerned to discern if you love money because the Bible says, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” (I Timothy 6:10) What kinds of evils? The Word of God mentions many both explicitly or implicitly; here is just a sampling: (1) desertion from the faith (2) sorrow, (3) slavery & despising of God, (4) discontentment, (5) dissatisfaction, (6) loss, and (7) ruin and destruction.[i] The love of money pulls your heart out of a proper orbit around the all-satisfying and all-loving God into a sinful orbit around itself that cannot lead to the fruitfulness and joy God desires for you.

How do I recognize the love of money?

I don’t know about you, but just those seven evils associated with the love of money are enough to make me want to run a heart diagnostic to be sure I am free from it. So how might one know he or she is loving money? Let me suggest three questions to help determine if your life is polluted by the love of money.

            Where are you putting your money?

Why would I ask that question? The Bible says, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) In other words, where we spend our money is an indication of what we love. If we use money to amass more wealth or material benefits to ourselves while neglecting to do good and advance God’s Kingdom, then we probably have a heart inclined to materialism rather than God. This is a clear sign we love money and what it can get us more than God.

          What are you willing to do for money?

Second Kings 5 narrates the cautionary tale of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, who lost his job and health for the love of money. Are you willing to disobey God for financial profit? Are you willing to refuse the Spirit’s urging to give because you feel you need the money more? Do you avoid church or family obligations to get ahead financially? If this is you or me it reveals our hearts love wealth more than God in that moment. The Lord lovingly communicates that we cannot serve him and money. It will be one or the other. (Matthew. 6:24) Who do we love, The Fountain of living waters or a broken cistern? (Jeremiah 2:13)

          What is your relationship to money?

We probably love money if we think we own it, it is our security, or it is our ticket to the good life. If we want to free ourselves from the love of money, we may need to have a talk with our money and redefine our relationship with it in biblical terms. We must let our money know that we don’t own it, we are just stewarding it for God. Money also needs to know we are more excited about using it for eternal good than temporal gain. (Luke 16:1—13) Furthermore, we need to let money know it is a tool to bless others and not our ultimate source of security. (Proverbs 18:11) Finally, we need to tell money our lives orbit around God and his priorities not our own. (Romans 12:1—2; 14:8)

Conclusion

God is more than able to free us from the love of money! “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:6—8[ii]

[i] Here are the associated references for each evil associated with the love of money in order 1—8: I Tim. 6:10, Mat. 6:24, Heb. 13:5, Ecc. 5:10, Prov. 11:28, and I Tim. 6: 9.

[ii] Further reading: Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn or Living in the Light of Money, Sex, and Power by John Piper.