Jesus said "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Matthew 18:3-6)
I have heard this text preached and used in lessons tons of times and I understand the basics:
1. Jesus was affirming the value of children when most ignored them.
2. Jesus was talking about the innocence and dependence of a child as a spiritual attitude we all should have.
3. A child-like spirit is essential to receive Christ and grow in the Spirit.
4. Jesus wanted to be sure to note that if someone hurts the connection of a child of God with their heavenly Father there would be serious consequences.
All of that is good and true, but I have another question - again related to holiness:
Can I be holy and live with a "grown-up" attitude?
The attitude of a child is one of trusting faith, completely willing to follow and be dependant on someone else. They don't carry the the scepticism, the negativity, etc. that we adults have as a matter of course. They simply trust. There is a freshness about them.
I wonder if living a holy life doesn't require this kind of freshness. Maybe its harder for us to cultivate a holy lifestyle because we act so "grown-up.". We take on the posture that we are so much wiser and worthy of our independence. And because of that, we aren't really open to even see God or experience a fresh move of the Spirit in our lives.
So, does being like a "grown-up" spoil our quest to lead a holy life and if so, how? How much of holiness is related to being like a child?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Very interesting thought. I think I will give it more reflection.
ReplyDeleteRemember that HOLY simply means to be set apart. Christ set apart His children to do great things for His Kingdom. In order to do that we have to have a child-like faith and the wisdom of an adult. Achieving that mixture will open our eyes and allow us to be useful in ways only He can perceive!
ReplyDeleteWes, what a great insight... I think there is something to be said for having the innocence of a child and the wisdom of an adult. Maybe that's what Jesus meant when he said, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." (Matt. 10:16)
ReplyDelete