Become like Children. Read Matthew 18, especially Matthew 18.1-4
All about relationships, Matthew 18. Seems like when we as individuals view God as great and mighty, and when we reverence him as all-holy and powerful, we are more apt to have a properly humble view of ourselves in turn. Accordingly, we desire to seek his honor and glory, rather than our own greatness.
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to 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."
When you and I read this exchange between the disciples and Jesus, nothing seems out of the ordinary. But what Jesus had to say was shocking! 'Want to be great? Become like a child. Wait, what? Children had no standing whatsoever in Jesus' day. So Jesus was establishing a whole new order!
Notice - Jesus seems to indicate that he sees the disciples' line of thinking going a certain direction-they are wanting greatness in the kingdom of heaven; 'Not so fast,' Jesus says, unless you turn, unless you completely do an about face and head the other direction, you will notenter the kingdom of heaven. Don't worry about how great you'll be, you won't even be there! Then Jesus literally grabs a hold of a child and puts him right in the middle of their discussion to illustrate his point. 'Take a look at this wee child; you must become like him.' What did Jesus mean? What did the child represent? Wonder, simple trust, ease of dependence . . . humility.
That is how God wants us to come to him - with wonder, a simple trust in him, and no hang-ups about depending on him.
When is the last time you heard a young child pray? My little Bennett, 2 ½ years old is learning to pray, and there is nothing like it. Check out this little prayer:
Hello, Mr. God. It's me, again--Little Andy.
How ya doing this morning? I hope just fine and dandy.
Did you get some rest last night
or were you busy, like most always, making the world just right?
I saw that pretty moon last night, and so many twinkling stars.
I bet you had extra work, yesterday, checking out what we were doing up on Mars.
I see you made some new babies. They came to earth, yesterday,
to bring some mommy some smiles and blessings on their way.
Do you like being a daddy to my friend, Jesus?
Thanks for letting me talk to Him ~To thank him for what he did for us.
I seen pictures of Him at Sunday School, talking with little children like me. He sure looks very nice and mommy says he set us free.
Hey there, Mr. God, I'm just asking, since he got back home with you,
does he still have His chores like before and just what is it that he has to do?
I know there are children up there; do they get to play with clouds and stars?
Hey, do they have school and all, and still have to learn the three R's?
I like school sometimes, but I like summer better.
Do Ya suppose, if I wrote to Jesus, He would answer my letter?
I just wanted to tell Him I love Him very much.
I'd like to share my toys with Him--like my crayons, books, and such.
Hey, Mr. God. How big are you? Really big, I bet.
Is it true your footprints make the oceans and did you make mountains from a play dough set?
Mommy says you know everyone so you must know my friends, too.
Do you love them as much as me, even though they don't believe in you?
But, hey, Mr. God. I keep telling them, Maybe, you will call them up, some day.
Then, they would really believe and You can come into their heart to stay.
Daddy says you hold the world in your mighty hands
and, before I was ever born, for my life you made plans.
That is really nice of you and I hope I will make you proud of me-
but, can I get fully growed up first before I become what I'm suppose to be?
Hey, there, God. When I get to heaven, can I come and see your house, pretty please? And then, if I am really good, can I fish in the crystal seas?
Well, I hope I didn't disturb you or anything, if you're busy, I'll come back after 'while. Daddy says our prayers often make you smile.
I don't know, as I'm a prayin' ... I was just a visiting.
Hope I didn't make you all nervous--were you listening to the angels sing?
Well, I'll see ya, maybe, tomorrow; if you don't mind that is.
Tell Jesus and His mamma 'Hi' for me and tell Him I am a friend of His.
Have a real good day up there. Get some rest, ok?
Thanks for talking with me. Now, I gotta go and play.
If Jesus isn't too busy, maybe, He would like to come along, too.
If you want, Mr. God, We got enough room for you.
We can learn from children, that's for sure.
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