THE NECESSITY OF CHILDLIKE FAITH
After Jesus rebuked his disciples for preventing parents from bringing their children to Jesus, he gave this spiritual principle concerning the kingdom of God. Those who would desire entrance into the kingdom must first receive it “like a child.”
These questions arise: How does a child receive the kingdom? What is it about a child’s reception of Jesus that is of necessity? Perhaps the following should be considered.
A child is small both in fact and in self awareness. He is not tempted to think too highly of himself. So certainly the humility of a child is the essence of childlike faith. Along with this there is the lack of close mindedness and bitter skepticism that grows in adults who think they know the nature of life, when in fact, they know nothing. A child admits their lack of knowledge. All of this comes out of the humility of childlikeness.
The bigger and fuller we get, the harder it is to stoop down low, in order to enter the narrow gate into the kingdom. But when we admit that we are empty and small, we are blessed. For such is the kingdom of heaven.
PRAYER: Lord, we thank you that you have given the kingdom to those with childlike faith. You have allowed us to often hit lows in our lives in order to recognize our need of you. Forgive us our pride and self effort. We come to you afresh today as children. Give us our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Protect us from temptation. Help us to live for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.