Change and Become Like Little Children

This morning I am reflecting on the sermon from our church yesterday.  The speaker, who is a missionary, said that in His experience, often the newly converted see more effective ministry, with little to no training, than those who are thoroughly trained (my paraphrase of what I heard).  He is a trainer, so he wasn't negating the need for training, but he was speaking about an interesting observation concerning courage.

I was reflecting on that and the image of a little child just learning to walk and climb came to mind.  I am not sure what your experience has been with children, but both of my children were absolutely fearless when they first learned to walk and climb.  My granddaughter who is 2+ is very similar, just no fear, and believing that she can do  just about anything, walk anywhere she wants and climb anything in front of her.  I love her absolute belief in herself!  I love how she is not afraid to conquer a new challenge, to figure out how to climb a new climbing wall, whatever there is in front of her that she wants to do.  As I was thinking about her little dynamic personality, I was reminded of something Jesus said to His disciples concerning becoming like little children.  Here are the verses - Matthew 18:1-5 NIV:

[1] "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

[2] He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. [3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."

Now the context of Jesus reply doesn't exactly fit my reflection this morning, but I think there are some parallels that are helpful.  He was talking about the societal position of the child, and in that culture, as in most, the children were dependent on their parents, were not considered a part of society apart from their family.  Their identity was tied to the family lineage, and for the Jews, most of that flowed down from their fathers.  

Looking back at what Jesus said initially, "unless you change and become like little children" He clearly wasn't speaking about becoming physically like little children, nor do I think He was speaking about losing our life experience, so what is Jesus referring to here?  I believe He is addressing our mindset, and our perception of ourselves.  

Jesus goes on says this is a critical requirement to entering the Kingdom.  That is such an interesting statement!  We must become like little children to enter the Kingdom.  Note, He is saying this to people who thought they were already in the Kingdom, so it appears to be a foundational truth, that is important to go back to regularly.  

I contend that what He is saying is that an absolute dependency on the Father is what we need!  Everything we do, everything about how we think about ourselves should be from Him!  This is how children experience the world.  First and foremost, their world-view is formed by and through their relationship with their parents.  The child doesn't really have any other options.  The child is unaware of any other reality, and in this case I believe Jesus is calling the disciples to change and go back to this core relationship, and complete dependency.  Salvation comes through this relationship, and is essentially the re-establishment of that relationship.

It is in this place of complete dependency that humility is embraced.  For the child it is natural, and all they know, for an adult to change and become like a child, it requires a willingness to embrace a different mindset, to think and act differently.  I believe this is fundamentally what Jesus is talking about, our willingness to embrace a complete dependency on Him!  Its not nearly as easy to do as it is to say.

However, in light of my initial reflection this morning, I think there are many benefits to this becoming like a child, that we tend to lose in our 'religiousness' and striving for maturity.  There is an excitement about life, a courage and resiliency, a willingness to believe, and a living of life in constant dependency.  All of these characteristics are beneficial in the life of a believer!  I believe that Jesus was also speaking about these when He said that we need to change and become like little children.  

I think He wants us to embrace the following:

Excitement about life, it is full of possibility

Believe that we can do anything and everything in front of us, for He is good

Complete Dependency on Him for understanding who we are and what we are capable of doing

Courage to try new things, to explore and conquer new trials

Constant connection with Him for encouragement, support and sustenance

Encounter life as His child

This morning I am encouraged to look at my perspective and see where I am restraining these "child-like" mindsets, so that I might change!  I am encouraged to look to all the Lord has done, and celebrate His faithfulness and goodness.  I am encouraged to look at who He says I am, to believe that first and foremost!  I am encouraged to welcome the ew day with the vigor of my grand-daughter, excited about all the possibilities the day will bring!

Amen!