As you look around Sunday, you will notice that we have some of the most precious children in all the world. Their smiles are contagious and their hugs will melt your heart. Jesus must have had a similar thought when he told his competitive disciples, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3-4).
Jesus was highlighting childlike humility as essential to our obedience and our willingness to accept divine grace. Children also forgive the hurts of others more easily than their parents.
Paul highlights the innocence of children writing in I Cor. 14:20, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature.”
A mother was driving her young daughter to pre-school one day. When the convertible that was driving in front of them stopped at a light, the lady riding in the passenger seat stood up and waved. Noticing that the woman was completely naked, the mother was horrified. Her daughter, seeing all that was happening, said, “Mommy, look at that lady, she isn’t wearing a seat belt.” Oh for the innocence of a child.
Let’s give thanks for all of our youngsters. They keep us young and inspire us about the future. They bring out the best in our efforts to set good examples. And maybe most importantly, they teach us what the Lord wants us to be like as the children of His kingdom.
- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City Church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
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