Beyond Common Sense

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 her 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.
• 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. This is especially true in the ministry.  I cannot make folks come to church, read their Bibles, make right choices, be unselfish, think of others. 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!

And now, little children,
abide in him;
that, when he shall appear,
we may have confidence,
and not be ashamed
before him at his coming.
1 John 2:28