Christian Living

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“Truly, I say to you, unless you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 18:3-4


How can I become a child?


Jesus asks us to become innocent, dependent on the providence of God, obedient and straightforward in our dealings.

God is holy and in order to enter the kingdom we must be perfectly holy. Children are sweet, pure in heart and seemingly innocent. Anyone who has spent any amount of time with an infant or toddler can understand the innocence of a child. Jesus is calling us to be like children in their very nature.


Dependence of children

Children, especially infants, are utterly dependent on everyone around them for their every need. If a newborn is not fed every day by its mother, it will not live. If a toddler is not bathed, it can never think to be clean on its own. If a five year old kid is not sent to kindergarten, he will never know that learning to read and write is essential. As we grow older we move into independence, doing our own. But that is not what Jesus is calling us to as believers. He is calling us back to our childhood, and reminding us of our complete dependence on God the Father.


Trusting

Children are also extremely trusting others. Your child knows for certain that there will be food ready for her when she comes back from school. She simply believes in your provision. In the same way the little boy so quickly offers to be thrown into the air and caught by his father. He simply believes and trusts that his father will not let him down. When I was a little girl I was always less afraid at night when I knew my dad was home. I could sleep more soundly knowing that he was in the room right next to me. That should be our trust in God. Jesus is telling us that if we aren’t like little children, utterly dependent on the Father for life and salvation, we will not enter the Kingdom of God.


Humble

We know for certain that we are powerless. It is quite humbling to admit that we are incapable of taking care of ourselves. I spend more time attempting to do things too difficult for me, when I very easily could have just asked for help and been done quicker. The Bible has a word for this. Pride, draws us back from asking help.


Unworried

We are grafted into a family where God is our Father. In a family, children believe that their father will protect and provide for them. When I was a little girl I never was fearful that my dad wouldn’t be there to protect me if I was scared, and I never questioned his ability to provide food for our table. Yet so often I find myself worrying about whether or not my perfect, heavenly Father will provide the food for my table now. This is pride and unbelief in the sovereign purposes of our great God.


We must become like children because we must admit that we cannot do anything apart from the hand of our heavenly Father as we completely surrender in God’s hands. We should believe in the protection and provision of our dear Father.


Friends, let us become children of God.

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