The bible challenges us to maturity. Yet, without contradiction, Jesus emphasizes the importance of possessing childlike qualities in our relationships with God and others.
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3
Simple Faith!
As a new Christian, my Sunday School Superintendent asked if I would be willing to teach a group of two and three-year old children. I quickly learned what a dozen children can do with scissors and glue in a short amount of time! But I learned so much more!
Children receive and believe with open heart and hand the love of God; they absorb truth like a dry sponge.
The older we get the more reasoning and intellect can hinder us from receiving in faith God’s love for us and His gift of salvation. It seems too simplistic, too easy, for most adults. A child, however, will believe with unquestioning faith biblical truth.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Though fundamental to our Christian walk, having a childlike faith is perhaps the hardest to regain. Yet, it is absolutely necessary!
Joyous Expectation! Hope!
A friend related this true story of her little niece:
One day she awoke excited and asked with great anticipation, “Is today the day I get a bunny rabbit?”
Her parents had never heard her request or had in any way suggested they would gift her with a rabbit, so they were quite surprised.
Later that afternoon, she excitedly bounced into the house after school, “Is my bunny here? Did it come today?”
The next day was a repeat! She couldn’t contain her enthusiasm, “Is today the day? Is my bunny coming today?”
After school, she was anxious to play with her new pet, “Is my bunny here? Was today the day my bunny came?”
Day after day, week after week, month after month, her excitement and joyous anticipation never wavered! Every morning she was sure “today” would be the day her beautiful pet would arrive! Every afternoon, she had unwavering hope that today was “the day“.
Finally, months later her joy was complete; a little rabbit awaited her when she arrived home from school.
As the story was being shared with my friend, her young niece was giggling in an adjacent room as she played with her bunny. This story clearly illustrates the anticipation and hope that we are called to.
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen;
it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1
The character and nature of our Heavenly Father is good all the time! Everything He has for us is good! When we come to Him, we can expect He will respond out of His absolute goodness.
“You are good, and what you do is good…”
Psalm 119:68
Like a little child, we can confidently hope in God, the Source and fullness of all that is good. Out of His nature, He generously gives all that is good.
Wonder!
When our granddaughter with young, she had a fascination for all creatures, but especially ladybugs. By spending time with a children, the wonder of creation can be re-ignited in us too.
Creation has the ability to point us to The Creator! As a matter of fact, creation so clearly directs us to God that we are “without excuse!”
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities
—his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,
so that people are without excuse.”
Romans 1:20
We are invited to slow our pace and see God in His creation, regaining a childlike desire to know, examine and understand more fully everything around us.
God is not intimidated by our questions. He never grows weary of our curious wonder while believing Him for the impossible and unexplainable.
Simply Childlike
The next time we have opportunity to spend time with a child may we see it as God’s invitation to ask which childlike attributes He might want to revive in us:
- vulnerability and trust
- abandon and joy
- curiosity and capacity to learn and grow
- ability to forgive quickly and fully
- love without reservation
No matter how old we may be, it is wise to regain the childlike qualities we have lost, placing our hands into the hands of our Father, and allowing Him to lead the way.
[bctt tweet=”Regain the childlike qualities we may have lost!” username=”MAWardAuthor”]
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Another thought: Hebrews 11:1 “Now Faith Is”