Wise Childlikeness

Read Proverbs 18

[Jesus] said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Matthew 18:3-4

Jesus used childlikeness to describe people who are real citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This proverb begins with the act of repentance (“turn from your sins”) and then describes a process with the word “become.” In fact, the word “become” is used twice to indicate that this is an ongoing experience of learning and growing.

So what did Jesus find so compelling about childlikeness? He specifically mentioned humility. How are children humble? They exhibit a trusting curiosity. They are full of questions for which they really want answers. Their questions don’t hide an unwillingness to believe. They want to learn! As a child trusts a loving parent, so a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven deeply trusts the heavenly Father.

From the moment we turn from our sins, we begin the lifelong learning experience of growing in deep trust of our heavenly Father.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Kingdom childlikeness involves humility.

Lord, becoming like a trusting little child in your presence will develop a humility that pleases you. Help me become more childlike.