Like Little Children
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” [Luke 18:16]
“And Jesus said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” [Matthew 18:3]
Read together, these two texts make a powerful statement about what Jesus saw as the character of people who will enter the kingdom of heaven. But what does Jesus mean for adults to become like little children?
Trust
Observing and interacting with a precious little one lately has taught me that trust encompasses childlike character. A child’s world revolves around the parent who coaches, consoles, cheers, and contemplates. The natural reaction of a child is to believe that parent, to live in a relaxed way, and to imitate them.
So Many Questions
Porque? Pourquoi? Why? No matter what the child’s first language, questions continually exist because the child is always in learning mode.
This consistent questioning from a little one’s mouth can become overwhelming, even to an extremely patient parent. Sometimes we don’t know why, yet the offspring still expects a reply from our wellspring of wisdom.
Not Answers–Relationship
A loving parent calmly explains what she can and then distracts the child to other topics. I watched this technique work time and again recently. Clearly, what matters is not so much the answer, but the relationship.
The multiplicity of questions does not alter the parent’s loving concern, but only reveals the child’s tenacity and growing understanding. We want this growing cherub to comprehend as much as possible. At the same time, our own wisdom increases through this process, as well.
Parents may cajole, demand silence, or even scold, but in a trusting relationship, nothing is hurt. The adult reaction only teaches the child a bit more about the parent. Fear not, another question will arise momentarily!
Prayer
Help us to view You, heavenly Father, as one who embraces our questions even as You envelop us in Your love.
A passionate reader, I began writing as a young girl. After graduating from college, I became a teacher. Over the course of my career, I taught high schoolers, college undergraduates, and public school teachers how to write personal narratives, expository and persuasive essays, as well as poetry and short fiction. I continued to write: publishing professional articles, two textbooks, short stories, and poetry. In 2013, I won first place in Romantic Suspense in the ACFW Genesis Contest.
Thanks for having me visit, Suzanne!