“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

(Hebrews 1:14, NIV)

Kids have a humorous way of seeing the world, especially when it comes to heavenly things. Listen to some of their thoughts on angels:

• “I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold.” — Gregory, 5
• “Everybody’s got it all wrong. Angels don’t wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it.” — Olive, 9
• “It’s not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there’s still the flight training to go through. And then you gotta agree to wear those angel clothes.” — Matthew, 9
• “My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good for science.” — Henry, 8

You have to smile. Kids might get a few of the details mixed up, but they manage to get the important things right — angels are real, angels help us, and heaven is closer (and far more personal) than we often realize.

The Bible tells us that angels are powerful, spiritual beings created by God to serve him and watch over us.  They aren’t humans who “earned their wings” after death (sorry, It’s a Wonderful Life fans!).  Rather, they are “ministering spirits” — sent by God to help, guide, and protect those who belong to him. 

Psalm 91:11 promises: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (NIV)

What an incredible thought! God cares about you so much that he fills your life with reminders of his protection, both seen and unseen.  His angels may be invisible most of the time, but their presence is real. They stand as a quiet but powerful testimony that you are not alone.

So, learn something from those kids. They may not have all the facts correct, but here’s what they got right — a simple, confident trust that heaven is real, that help is near, and that God is always watching over us, even if we can’t see it.  And maybe, just maybe, that childlike faith is exactly what we need, too.

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving me so much that you would send your angels to help and protect me. Thank you even more for sending Jesus to save me.  Help me to find joy in knowing that you are always near.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day