And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
Today, I was once again reminded of this verse. We often think of its meaning for conversion, but perhaps we would do well to apply it to life! Become as a child—what does that mean or look like? Well, a little child…
- Is completely dependent on his Father
- Does not pay the bills
- Does not plan the future
- Does not buy the groceries
- Is blissfully ignorant of all life’s trials. Mom may be secretly shedding tears of grief and anguish as a child chatters on about all that is important to her. (I wonder if my heavenly Father sometimes feels like this! 😦 )
- Does not worry about problems
- Smiles a lot
- Enjoys simple pleasures
- Does not expect great things
- Simply trusts
That’s where I need to be. I’m not talking about shirking responsibilities or having my head in the sand, but there are so many disappointments that I cannot change, especially in the ministry. I cannot make folks come to church, read their Bibles, make right choices, be unselfish, think of others or a whole host of other things that will help them to shine as they draw closer to God. All I can do is live it before them, pray for them, and perhaps give a word in season to them. How freeing is that!!! Sigh! Oh, how nice to be God’s child!
Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
~ Jean Sophia Pigott
Beyond Common Sense 