Lord, Help Us To Be Like Little Children
The kingdom of heaven is nothing like the kingdoms of this world.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1-3)
At West Hobbs Street church of Christ, we have a group of little children whose favorite place to be in the whole world is with their friends for Bible class. When it’s time to go home, at least one child usually starts crying because they just aren’t ready to leave.
And I wonder - have we become as little children?
Our children are so happy to go to Bible class and learn more about God and His Word. They are thrilled to show their parents what they worked on and learned during class. Our children's joy over learning more about what God has done for them is evident.
And I wonder - have we become as little children?
Sometimes when our children are playing after worship, they have disagreements. Sometimes they fight. Sometimes feelings get hurt. But they always make things right, forgive, and get back to being friends. Their friendships are more important than holding on to hurt feelings.
And I wonder - have we become as little children?
Isn’t it ironic that God gave us children to “train” (Proverbs 22:6), yet we are supposed to be learning from them?
We provide direction in their lives (Ephesians 6:4), and they provide an example to us of the kind of attitude that is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
As we grow older, may we continue to grow more like little children.