He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “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 18:2-4 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.18.2-4.NIV
What does it mean to be like little children?
The message says it this way:
For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.
Matthew 18:2-5 MSG
https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.18.2-5.MSG
The part about starting over like children caught my eye. In our Christian walk, we have to start somewhere. God is asking us to become like children & start over.
When faced with a situation, children tend to ask parents what to do and trust what they are being told.
When I was a counselor, kids were not afraid to tell me what their parents had told them to do. They would say “mom/dad told me/said…” You may have even been told a similar statement by a child in your life.
Why are we so afraid to say what God says about something? Speaking Gods Word is just like that. We are saying what our Heavenly Parent says to do. We are trusting what He says.
When the world is telling us it should be one way, we need to say what God says and say it boldly like a child would.
Following what God says isn’t always easy, unless we become like children. Children want to please their parents. Most parents out there may beg to differ at times, but they do desire their parents approval.
If we seek after and desire God’s approval, we will find it easier to do what He says.
We will still be tempted, but it will become easier and easier to turn to God ,if we become like children. When a problem arises our first response will become prayer, seeing what the Bible says, and then doing what God is telling us to do.
The Bible is God’s Word & it shows us how God wants us to live.
Studying the Bible is part of our Christian walk. We have to know what it says in order to do what it says & we need to know what it says before situations arise.
I know I need to read it multiple times a day. Sometimes it’s little doses & once a day it is deeper study. But it all helps me live better.
Prayer is another key component. Talking with God & listening to what He says. Kids don’t know what their parents say unless they’re listening. So if we aren’t listening, how will we know what He says.
