Like A Child, Be A Child

When we were children, we needed to grow and learn the ABC’s. Now that we are adults, we need to change and relearn the BAC’s… Be A Child.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11, When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. Jesus said in Matthew 11:25, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. Who are the wise and the learned? These are the adults who think they have life figured out already. Matthew 18:1 tells us; At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The question reveals that they do not have an idea of the kingdom of heaven. Somehow there was discomfort and agitation among the disciples because they sensed they were not part of the inner circle of Christ. In the disciple’s heart were envy, jealousy, and ambition. Somehow, they lost sight of the kingdom’s purpose. Instead of seeking places of service, they sought positions of advantage. That is how the adult mind works and how complicated adult’s hearts are. To answer the question, Jesus called a little child to stand among them and said, “Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:2-3). It is like another very famous verse, John 3:3, Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This passage is an encounter with Jesus of Nicodemus – a good man, an adult, well advanced in years. He is a member of the Jewish ruling council, hence a wise man, a learned, scholarly, and highly respected religious authority. Shockingly, for someone in that position, he responded in a very predictable way (John 3:4), How can a man be born when he is old?…Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!

It is all about Childlike Faith. We must be teachable. Keep in mind that while we live, breathe, and remain in this world, we are in our spiritual formative years. Start with Childlike Conversations. This is about unceasing prayer and petition to your Father. He desires and delights in the prayers of His children – innocent, pure, no malice, charming, pleasurable, and talks without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Ask like a child (1 John 3:21-22; James 4:2-3) by praying and having the right motive. Childlike Dependence. God’s got everything covered whether good or bad you know that He will work everything out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Childlike Curiosity. We must say, “I am not yet what I ought to be”. Seek Him to get to know Him more and understand His ways and thoughts. Childlike Humility. The Bible says that if you are to boast, boast in this thing: that you know Me (Matthew 5:3). Childlike Obedience. In Matthew 18:2, He called a little child and had him stand among them. The child did exactly as asked even though being placed in the midst of adults can be very scary. Childlike Trust. God is protective of His children. Childlike Surrender. We must say, “Father, not my will but Yours be done”. Childlike Contentment. Nothing that comes from the hand of God can be bad for us (1 Timothy 6:6-10). In everything give thanks.

Now that we know and understand what a childlike faith means, let us evaluate ourselves and ask, how must I change and have Childlike Faith? Let us not confuse wants with needs. In the Old Testament, God said, “Gather only as much as you need”. In the New Testament, God said, “Give us this day our daily bread”. Trust in God. Be A Child. He can give you a new life…a life that is joyous and everlasting.