I have always kept at least one, usually a couple loaded at home where I can get to them even when my kids were little. I did not worry about them touching them because they were not keep a mystery to them. My kids were taught gun safety, taken to the range to see what guns would do and at a young age taught to shot. I did not worry about them picking up a loaded gun any more than I worried about them driving my car without permission just because I keep the tank "loaded" with gas.
Regarding to the statement about fighting to win I like what Massad Ayoob said. "The idea is not to take them with you but rather to send them on ahead".
By the way as far as my kids not messing with my guns they were never left unattended. To much unsupervised time is one of the main problems of kids today.
By faith Noah,being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear,prepared an ark to the saving of his house;by the which he condemned the world,and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith Heb.11:7