Matthew 18:3 – Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (NKJV)

Matthew 19:14 – But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV)

Last Sunday in church, a young father sat in front of me, holding his beautiful baby son. This little child is about nine months old. He is cherubic, with red hair, beautiful blue eyes, and the most wonderful smile. Throughout the service, I would glance at this little child and receive the most enormous smiles.

Reflecting on today's verses, I thought about what this little boy brought to church: smiles, giggles, and joy. Then, I turned my attention to what we adults sometimes bring to God's house: grumbling about the temperature in the sanctuary or the length or relevance of the service, anxiety about needing to catch someone after the service, complaining about the noise that the children make, or absenting our minds from the sermon while instead making mental to-do lists. These characteristics, discontentment, impatience, and sometimes dourness, are the exact opposite of what this precious boy brought.

Then, I thought about the incident where the disciples tried to prevent children from coming to Jesus, and He encouraged childlikness. There are many positive attributes which children possess. This little boy not only exuded joy, but spread this quality with his wonderful smiles. This young one was completely trusting of the security that he felt in his earthly father's arms. Children are like sponges soaking up new information. To them, learning new things is wonderful and exciting. Children are so resilient and adaptable. While disruptions in daily routines may temporarily induce crankiness, it is not long before children adapt to new situations.

How much more fulfilled we would be if we became like little children and brought to church:

• a joy that is spread to others,
• a trust in God's Word and guidance,
• an open attitude to learning, and
• a willingness to adapt to new ways of doing church.

Prayer: Dear God, forgive us when we mentally chastise children for speaking up in church. These precious members are both the present and the future of our congregations. Instead, help us to reflect on all the qualities that we sometimes let fall away from our lives. Help us instead to retrieve our own childlike qualities and especially to picture ourselves resting securely in Your arms. For, as You have said, if we do not become childlike, we will not enter Your kingdom. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Orlanda Drebit <orlandadrebit@hotmail.com>
Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, Canada
Send your feedback to the author