CHILDLIKE FAITH
Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:2-4 (NLT)
Do you remember when you were a kid, and all you wanted to be was a grown-up? When you’re young, you feel like the next major milestone will finally unlock something special for you: being able to stay up later, getting to drive, finishing high school, and getting your first real job. But as much as you can want to fast-forward into adulthood, Jesus makes it clear that there’s something special about being like the little children.
The truth is that the complexities of the adult life can weigh us down. In the midst of our responsibilities, ambitions, worries and bills, something innocent can get buried. Jesus invited us to return to the simplicity of a childlike faith. Imagine this scene in Matthew 18. Jesus is surrounded by adults who are all eager to catch His attention. Jesus is an important man whose time is valuable. As the crowd clamors and presses in on Jesus, He intentionally makes a child the focus.
Children come to God with an innocence and openness that most adults lose somewhere along the way. They are largely free of the weight of past mistakes and anxiety about what lies in the future. Jesus calls us to emulate this childlike faith. Doing so requires humility and a willingness to be dependent on the Spirit.
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)
Is pride preventing you from growing in your relationship with God? Pride is subtle and deceptive, leading you to believe that, really, you’re doing just fine. But are you living wholly dependent on the Father like a small child does with their parent? Heed the words of Jesus, and humble yourself before God!
APPLICATION: Where do you need to repent? Is there something you know is obviously sin you’re allowing to remain unchecked in your life? Confess that to God. Is there something more subtle but still dangerous, like pride, which has taken root? Ask God to humble you as you seek to follow Him.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for welcoming me. Please help me remain humble and wholly surrender to Your Lordship in my life. Take my pride away and grant me an awareness of anything that would separate me from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?