Jesus taught,
“I tell you the truth,
Luke 18:16-17
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child
will never enter it.”
To be CHILDLIKE (not childish) is required to be a part of God’s kingdom. Some child-like qualities that we are to assimilate in our Christian Walk:
A child feels free to receive a gift.
A child is usually quick to accept a gift
without questioning his own worthiness.
A child doesn’t feel anger or resentment very long.
A child is usually quick to forgive and move on.
A child doesn’t feel despair or overwhelming guilt.
A child is usually too busy living to become bogged down with the past.
A child learning to walk doesn’t seem to feel failure.
Unless hurt, he is usually quick to get up and try again.
A child doesn’t feel threatened or defensive
when confronted with something different.
A child is usually very flexible, teachable,
willing to try something new.
He is willing to be led and tries to please those he loves.
A child doesn’t worry about next week or even an hour from now.
A child is usually involved in the ‘now’ and
isn’t too concerned about the future.
He trusts his parents to care for tomorrow.
Until adults make unreasonable demands,
A child doesn’t feel pressured to be perfect, but just himself.
A child can be so trusting, so very honest.
A child can be so willing to learn, so curious,
often willing to try new things—
And yet enjoy the things it loves over and over again.
Now, of course childishness
(self-indulgent, demanding attention, demanding one’s way, etc.)
is never appropriate—
However,
we are instructed to approach God with some child-like qualities.
Jesus was asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew records His response:
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said;
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”Matthew 18:2-5
May we all learn to approach our CREATOR with more CHILDLIKENESS.