Child-like—Scripture Reflection #010

Matthew 18:2-4 (New Living Translation)

2 Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. 3 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. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

As I have been growing up and taking on more and more responsibilities, I have found that “adulting” is not as attractive as I thought it was going to be when I was a kid. Seeing the freedom that my parents and then my older siblings had made me think that I was really missing out. That is, until I learned that freedom comes with a large, healthy portion of my own duties!

Jokes aside, while new duties and responsibilities are a natural part of growing up, I do not think that we should lose the wonder, humility, and dependence we had when we were children. When I was growing up, everything around me was new and awe-inspiring- I wanted to discover it all! I had so much fun playing with my sister and brothers, or being able to ask my parents anything and expect an answer; I got to rely on them for just about anything. I want to go back to that- back to when I could learn and grow and trust with my heart wide open.

I think that is also what God wants from us. He wants us to be able to truly live, trusting fully in Him for all our needs. He wants us to be able to enjoy this world that He created for us to live in, discover Him in His creation, and create beautiful things in His honor. He wants us to trustingly come to Him with our most pressing and random questions, knowing that He holds the answers. Our Heavenly Father wants the very best for us, and I think that means turning to Him like children do to their parents.

The Question: What is one of your favorite memories from your childhood?