Like a Child

Ever hear someone tell a kid or even an immature adult to "grow up." Usually I'm in agreement but I came upon something in my reading this week that makes me think--in some respects--that we shouldn't.

Mark 10:14, Jesus flat out says "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

If I'm reading that correctly, and I'm pretty certain that I am, it seems that being childlike is not a suggestion, but it is a requirement. Why is being childlike so important, though? After all, there is such a rush to move on in life. Hurry and get to 16 so I can get my drivers license. Hurry and get to 18 so I can vote. Hurry to get to 21 so I can be an "adult." Hurry to retirement. It never ends. There is a constant push to keep getting older no matter how old we get.

But let's get something straight. There is a big difference between being a little child as Jesus says, or a child of God as is so often mentioned in the Bible, and being childish. There are specific qualities of childlike behavior that we should aim for an certain ones we should steer clear of.

One we should avoid is being childlike in understanding and knowledge. 1 John used "little children" repeatedly. In this book, John explains the importance of following the word and not being led astray. Remember, this book was written to early Christians that were learning on the go. They didn't have a neatly compiled book like I have and that I am referencing from right now. It seems to me that he wrote this cautionary letter and called them "little children" because of their innocence or maybe even ignorance in the word. They needed guidance and warning. They needed their hands held. Think of when you were in first grade, learning basic addition and subtraction, learning to write and read. Those are the building blocks of learning. But at some point, as Paul tell us, we must advance past basic math to algebra.

Paul wrote in Hebrews that eventually believers must grow intellectually and spiritually to be able to "discern both good and evil" and teach others. If we do not understand the word ourselves, how then can we spread the gospel as we have been told to do?

But as I previously mentioned, there are certain characteristics of being a child that God requires of us in our daily walk if we are to be in a true relationship with Him. I have pulled out a few "childlike" characteristics. This is not a comprehensive or precise list but merely a few characteristics that I gathered from reading scripture. If we become like a child in respect to these qualities, we will no doubt grow closer to God.

Reliant - Children rely on parents to wake them up for school, make meals, buy groceries, wash their clothes, put them into the bathtub (even if its against the child's will). The parents know what is best for the child just as our Father knows what is best for us. And even though their livelihood hinges on the responsibility of their parents, they never doubt, and neither should we doubt God who is the provider of all things. We can't get to heaven on our own merit. The only way is through the blood of Jesus, and on that and that alone we must rely. Also, think back to Israelites of the Old Testament. They prospered when they relied on God, but as soon as they started to worship other gods, God's hand of protection pulled away. Good things happen to those who rely on the Lord. Just check out 2 Chronicles 14.

Inquisitive - I can remember being little and lying in bed thinking about all the mysteries of the world and asking question after question and not being able to sleep until each was answered. Children have an great hunger and willingness to learn. Experts say the best time to learn a foreign language or a musical instrument is at an early age. As I mentioned before, it is of dire importance to learn God's word. We shouldn't remain intellectually childlike, but our thirst for the word should like a child's. Seemingly the entire book of Proverbs tell us the importance of gaining knowledge.

Excitable - At Christmas time, it never surprises me when kids start playing with the box and the wrapping paper instead of the toy inside. Now, this is obviously a case of ignorance is bliss, but it also shows how children get excited over the smallest things. We should follow that lead, finding joy in every day occurrences. Nothing is more exciting than knowing that Jesus has already conquered the grave and we should show it! David was a man after God's heart and he played music, sang and danced before the Lord in worship, praising Him for all He had done. Just like a child opening a gift on Christmas, we should have that light in our eyes and happiness every day because we've already received the all-time greatest gift.

Humble - It's a rare day when you see a child boast and brag of their accomplishments. It's also not every day that you see a quote from Zephaniah. Chapter 2, verse 3...
"Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the LORD's anger."

That's a better explanation than I can give, but I will mention that pride was the first sin on earth (Eve wanting to be like God, Genesis 3:5) and the reason for Satan's fall. Pride is our greatest temptation and can drive a permanent wedge between us and God.

Uninhibited - I'll use myself as an example here. When I was three of four years old, He-Man was the big cartoon superhero. He-Man didn't wear much in the way of clothes. So of course I wanted to be like him. I'd go play in the yard and play He-Man wearing nothing but underwear and wielding a plastic sword. At that age, I could care less what the neighbors thought. Now, I think my neighbors would have a few questions if I was outside playing He-Man in my underwear. The point is that we shouldn't be afraid of what world thinks. I know many times I am reluctant to speak out because of what others perception of me may be. Acts 4 says that God's people spoke with boldness. 1 John 2:28 says, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." Romans 8 says that the children of God have a "glorious liberty." We should exercise that liberty by being uninhibited with our faith and telling everyone of the good news.

Trusting - Why does God tell us to give an offering? Sure the church needs funds to operate, but it is more so a way for us to learn that if we trust in God, he will take care of our needs. Children don't worry about where their next meal is coming from or who will pay the electric bill. They have no question or doubt that these staples will be provided. Without trust there can be no faith, and with no faith, there can be no belief that Jesus is the Son of God.

Again, these are merely a few of the childlike characteristics that God requires of us. The ultimate purpose of our existence is to to be a child of God. Who is a child of God? 1 John 5 explains that it is anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ and loves Him. Romans 8 says that the children of God are heirs of God and "joint heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."

Wow, what a promise. I think I'd like to be a child forever.