Childlikeness

 Matthew 18:3-5 ESV

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 


Of course, Jesus isn't saying that we should become childish and immature. Instead, he's telling us to become childlike and credulous. We don't need to be naïve, but neither do we need to be cynical and jaded.

We associate childlikeness with innocence too. Children aren't perfect, but they're not as far gone as grownups. They tend to have more tender consciences.

When we get older, we tend to get entitled. We tend to try and justify ourselves. Jesus wants us to simply come as we are and to allow him to transform us.

Of course we need to count the cost of following Jesus. Yet we shouldn't use that as an excuse to not follow him. We should have childlike enthusiasm in living for our Lord and Saviour.

'Dear Abba God, please help us to be childlike in how we follow you. Please accept us, not because we're big and clever, but because you delight to adopt us into your family. For your glory, amen'.

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