WHEN BEING CHILDISH IS A GOOD THING
MATTHEW 19:13-15
MATTHEW 19:13-15 NKJ
13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
In the disciples thinking children were not important. They were doing big kingdom business with Jesus, and He did not have time for such trivial things as blessing little children. Jesus was important. Jesus' time was important. Children were not important.
But, once again, Jesus brought a new paradigm to the disciples' thinking. Let the children come because they were a good example of God's kingdom.
Children, especially little ones, operate differently from adults. They do not posture and politic. They are quick to believe and quick to love, and quick to forgive. Children love to laugh and can find joy in the smallest things. Children are very accepting of others. Children can be quite fearless if they know their parents are close by. Children are innocent and do not manipulate.
Now I am obviously speaking of little ones. There are some elementary school teachers who would beg to differ with me on some of my points.
But early on, children are pure, and Jesus pointed them out as examples.
APPLICATION
We will have to give some thought to being childish. But as a child of God and part of His family, I can certainly see major benefits in being quick to believe, quick to love, and quick to forgive. Also, the fearless nature of a child that knows his father is for him would be another point worth noting. And finally, the ability to enjoy life without a worry or care, because we've given them to God, is a worthwhile goal.
We may be smart and sophisticated but always keep in mind that in comparison with our Father God, we really are His little children. And that’s a good thing.
PRAYER
Help me, Lord regain that childlike faith and confidence in You. Teach me how to be quick to believe, love, and forgive.