Like Little Children

Good Morning,

Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
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."

So, what are the little children like, that we should become like them, in order to enter the kingdom of heaven? I'm not one who would put words into Jesus' mouth or tell anyone what was on His mind when He spoke these words, but I can tell you what has been put into my mind about these verses and what they speak to.

"Like little children." A small child has certain attributes about him or her that goes beyond being "cute" and "cuddly." What speaks to me in these words is that the children Jesus speaks of are 100% trusting of their parents and those who have charge over them. These little children look to their mothers and fathers to provide everything that they need in their lives. The children love unconditionally...no questions asked...even when being scolded or disciplined. They have no real sense of "self" as people do when they get older and mature. They want to help in any way that they can when they see adults doing things. I mean, I know that you've probably had the experience of, "Mom (Dad) can I help with that?" No matter what the chore was you were doing. The children are open and honest...sometimes to a fault, as we have all seen at one point or another. Now, I know I've missed a few things here, because the list of childish attitudes and attributes can probably go on for quite a while.

These things about the way children really are, well, this is how Jesus would have us to become, as well.

We need to look to God for our provision. Not just our physical needs of food and drink and clothing and shelter, but even more importantly our needs of spiritual and emotional well being. We need to love unconditionally...just as Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) Yes, love God and our fellow man...unconditionally. We are to give up the self and give over to God and what He would have us to be and to do. We are to be God's helpers when we see something that needs to be done; to help enthusiastically and joyously. We are to be honest and open with our lives in all of our dealings, never taking advantage of anyone for gain of any kind.

This, I believe, at least in part, is what Jesus was telling us. Look at the kids, the little ones. See how they are. Then in our maturity, act and behave as they do.

Yes, I have probably missed some things here this morning, maybe even some important ones. But I think, I believe, that we need to take these words very seriously and consider them as we look at our own lives...at who we are...at whom we've become.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David