Little Children

Little Children

If you have been around me for any length of time either teaching or just talking about parenting, you’ve likely heard me use a parallel between parenting and our relationship with God. If we really think about what we want our kids to be when they grow up, it’s not so much what they are going to DO as much as who they BECOME.

I think that’s Jesus’ concern too!

Today I am reminded of how Jesus dealt with a question from his disciples. I think Jesus dealt with a lot of questions. He is totally open to questions which I find so encouraging! He embraces the fact that I have questions and I am seeking answers. The problem is sometimes the answers challenge us. This is what happens here with his disciples. And as we are going to see, happens with us as well.

So let me set the scene — it can all be found in Matthew 18 in the first five verses. The disciples have just asked Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, they want to know what they need to do to be top dog! Now like I said before, Jesus welcomes questions! And He is no different here. This question, like many that I have asked myself, is foolish and selfish. Jesus, in typical Jesus fashion, takes this opportunity to answer their question and teach. Jesus replies…

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3–4 NIV)

It’s as if Jesus is saying, ‘Hey guys! Listen up! You are not getting it! Let me lay it out for you again!’

And He drops a truth bomb on them.

He’s had to do that with me…and probably you too if you’re honest!

Jesus then compares the greatest in His Kingdom to kids. He says to become like them! And if they don’t, they cannot get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Pretty strong language! We might want to pay attention here! I think there are some characteristics of our kids that Jesus deeply desires to see in us.

My mind immediately goes back to a time that our church was still in our old sanctuary. Church was done and one of my daughters, who was only three or four at the time, was up on the platform about three feet above the floor. As I approached the platform to gather my family up and head out for lunch, she leapt off the stage, with complete abandon, reaching out for me to catch her. I never prompted her to jump. And to be honest I wasn’t ready! I had to move in place quickly to be able to catch her.

I remember her little arms wrapping around my neck as we embraced. Safely in my arms after her flight she just simply said let’s go eat! Yup! She’s my daughter!

I think this is a glimmer of what Jesus is talking about, but there is so much more! The one word that describes this is…

Trust.

To trust is an action, it’s a verb really. It means that we believe in something so much that we move in response to that believe. That is trust! That is faith. That’s what my daughter did. That’s what I wish I could do with that kind of abandon!

We all are to abandon ourselves, our security, our self-sufficiency, our pride, as sophisticated as it seems, and throw ourselves into God’s arms and just trust Him — that we can trust Him enough that He is more than able to hold us up.

Another thing I see with kids is just how teachable they are. Every child has this characteristic. They are so teachable. They are receptive to what we as adults have to teach them. Moldable is another good descriptor. I would sum this up up with one word.

Humility.

Kids have so much humility! They don’t have a problem asking for help, admitting when they are wrong, and are open to changing.

Jesus, then, is telling His disciples and us today that we must become more humble. It is a lowliness. Not a lack of self-esteem but being full of esteem for Jesus so much that our thoughts are moving to be more aligned with His, that our actions are moving to be more aligned with His. And as we align ourselves in response to the Holy Spirit, our faith matures.

Signs of a mature faith are a humbleness that outpours itself in love and kindness!

I mean, think about it, for the most part, kids show love best! They have no hesitations! No self built walls. They just show it!

And that is my final characteristic.

Pure, joy filled love.

Kids are untainted and full of so much joy, love and forgiveness. I mention forgiveness because it takes incredible love to do so.

I wish I could say I have never exploded in anger at one of my kids. I can’t. I have had to make repairs with God’s help from time to time. But what I find so amazing is the loving forgiveness held deep within any of my daughter’s eyes! They are quick to forgive and quick to love!

And so full of joy!

They brighten my day with just a single look. I don’t know many adults that do that for me. But I know A LOT of kids that with just one look they immediately brighten my day!

That, to me, is what Jesus is desiring for us to be to the world around us. We have trust God so completely that we can let go of the constructs that place our trust in and leave ourselves open to Him in humility as the Holy Spirit seeks to align us to His thoughts and His actions. It is loving others, offering forgiveness and being so full of esteem for Jesus that others can’t help but feel their day brightened when we come into contact with them!

So let me ask you, what can you do today that will move you and align you to the thoughts and motives of Jesus? And what would happen in your household, in your community, if you began to do those things? How would your world look different?

Take these questions to Jesus today and take the time to seek time Him. Just climb up into His lap and into His arms, like a little child, and ask…

Like a little child.