“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” —Matthew 19:14, NIV
Does this even make sense? The Kingdom of God belongs to children? Why does God want us to be like children? After all, aren’t they immature and sometimes bratty? I love kids, but to make them the criteria for heaven?
While the Lord wants us to mature and grow in our faith, He also wants us to be child-like, not childish. Jesus told His disciples to become like children.
Three heavenly qualities will help us become more like children:
A child’s humility.
Picture a kindergarten class. Most young children are not overly conscious of self. They are content with the small world immediately around them. Children can be naturally humble, a trait we need to cultivate as adults.
We become more humble by humbling ourselves before the Lord. Life has a way of humbling us over and over again whether or not we want it or plan for it! God wants us to walk in child-like humility.
A child’s dependence
Being fiercely independent and individualistic is a very American trait. Elements of that can be good, but as believers, we were meant to grow more dependent on the Lord.
Children are perfectly content with being dependent on those who love them and care for them. They are not too prideful to accept that love.
If we can embrace the fact – yes, the fact—that God is our loving Father, and if we can accept our need to be dependent upon Him, new strength and peace will fill our lives with hope, joy, and faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I read that and say, here we go, Lord, Abba Father. I will trust You, lean on You, and I know You will guide my way through life.
A child’s trust
Children trust when they know they are loved and cared for. They cannot provide their own shelter, food, and clothes, but they trust others who love them to provide what they need. Children are designed to be loved and cared for—and so are we.
“I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear,” Jesus told his followers.
He gave the example of birds. “Your heavenly Father feeds them.”
Clothing? “Look at the lilies of the field.”
“So don’t worry,” Jesus concluded. “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 6:25-32).
Walk in humility. Depend on our heavenly Father. Trust in Him with all your heart.
We are the children of God, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
