Childlikeness
Doug McCulley doug.newjersey@yahoo.com rev: 2013
Jesus in Luke 18:16‑17:
"I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child will never enter it."
Some child-like qualities that I think we are to assimilate in our Christian Walk:
A child doesn't usually question a gift and
is usually quick to open a gift without questioning his own worthiness to receive the gift.
A child doesn't feel anger or resentment very long.
A child is usually quick to forgive.
A child doesn't feel despair or overwhelming guilt.
A child is usually too busy living to become bogged down with the past.
A child doesn't feel failure for long.
A child is usually quick to get up and try again.
Most children don't feel threatened or defensive when confronted with something different.
A child is usually very flexible, teachable, willing to try something new.
He is willing to be led and tries to please those he loves.
A child doesn't feel worry about next week or even an hour from now.
A child is usually involved in the 'now' and isn't too concerned about the future.
He trusts his parents to care for tomorrow.
Until adults make unreasonable demands,
A child doesn't feel pressured to be perfect, but just himself.
A child can be so trusting, so very honest.
A child can be so willing to learn, so willing to try new things,
And yet enjoy the things it loves over and over again.
We need more CHILDLIKENESS in these areas.
Now, of course childishness
(self-indulgent, demanding attention, demanding one's way, acting helpless, making excuses, etc.)
is never appropriate.
But to have childlike faith is a requirement to be apart of God’s family.
Jesus was asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Matthew records His response:
"I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God
like a little child will never enter it."
Some child-like qualities that I think we are to assimilate in our Christian Walk:
A child doesn't usually question a gift and
is usually quick to open a gift without questioning his own worthiness to receive the gift.
A child doesn't feel anger or resentment very long.
A child is usually quick to forgive.
A child doesn't feel despair or overwhelming guilt.
A child is usually too busy living to become bogged down with the past.
A child doesn't feel failure for long.
A child is usually quick to get up and try again.
Most children don't feel threatened or defensive when confronted with something different.
A child is usually very flexible, teachable, willing to try something new.
He is willing to be led and tries to please those he loves.
A child doesn't feel worry about next week or even an hour from now.
A child is usually involved in the 'now' and isn't too concerned about the future.
He trusts his parents to care for tomorrow.
Until adults make unreasonable demands,
A child doesn't feel pressured to be perfect, but just himself.
A child can be so trusting, so very honest.
A child can be so willing to learn, so willing to try new things,
And yet enjoy the things it loves over and over again.
We need more CHILDLIKENESS in these areas.
Now, of course childishness
(self-indulgent, demanding attention, demanding one's way, acting helpless, making excuses, etc.)
is never appropriate.
But to have childlike faith is a requirement to be apart of God’s family.
Jesus was asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Matthew records His response:
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He 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."
‑‑Matthew 18:2‑5
May we all learn to become more Childlike.