CHILDLIKE FAITH

In a world that often values sophistication, independence, and worldly success, there's a profound spiritual truth that challenges our adult sensibilities: to enter the kingdom of God, we must approach Him with the faith of a child. This counter-cultural idea isn't about being childish or immature, but rather about embodying the beautiful qualities that children naturally possess in their approach to life and relationships.

The Gospel of Luke paints a vivid picture of this truth in action. We see Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem to fulfill His divine mission, encountering a group of parents bringing their children to Him. The disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus from unnecessary distractions, try to turn the children away. But Jesus' response is both surprising and enlightening:

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Luke 18:16-17)

This moment reveals a fundamental truth about our relationship with God and the nature of faith. But what does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child? Let's explore some key characteristics of childlike faith that we, as adults, are called to emulate:

Children have an amazing capacity for trust. They believe what they're told without cynicism or skepticism. When a parent promises to catch them as they jump, they leap without hesitation. This is the kind of trust God desires from us – a willingness to take Him at His word, to believe His promises, and to step out in faith even when we can't see the outcome.

From the moment they're born, children are entirely dependent on others for their needs. They don't try to be self-sufficient or pretend they can manage on their own. Similarly, God calls us to recognize our utter dependence on Him – for our salvation, for our daily needs, and for our very existence. It's a humbling posture, but one that opens us up to experiencing God's provision and care.

Have you ever given a child an expensive gift, only to find them more fascinated by the box it came in? Children have a remarkable ability to find joy in the simplest things. They're not caught up in materialism or status symbols. This simplicity of heart is something we're called to cultivate – finding contentment in God's presence and the simple blessings of life, rather than always craving more.

Watch children at play, and you'll see conflicts arise and dissolve in moments. They have an incredible capacity to forgive and move on, without harboring grudges or resentment. As adults, we often struggle with forgiveness, but God calls us to a childlike readiness to extend and receive forgiveness, mirroring His own forgiving nature towards us.

Children live in a constant state of awe at the world around them. A butterfly, a rainbow, or a passing airplane can fill them with wonder and excitement. As we grow older, we often lose this sense of marvel at God's creation and His work in our lives. Childlike faith invites us to rediscover this wonder, to see the world through eyes of amazement, and to approach God with excitement and anticipation.

The call to childlike faith is not about regression or immaturity. Rather, it's an invitation to strip away the layers of pride, self-sufficiency, and cynicism that we've accumulated over the years. It's about approaching God with open hearts, ready to trust, depend, forgive, and wonder.

This truth challenges the way we often think about spiritual growth. We might assume that maturity means becoming more self-reliant or sophisticated in our faith. But Jesus turns this notion on its head, telling us that true spiritual maturity looks more like childlike dependence and trust.

Consider the stark contrast Jesus draws in another parable, where He compares the prayer of a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee prays from a place of self-righteousness and pride, listing his good deeds and comparing himself favorably to others. The tax collector, on the other hand, simply beats his breast and pleads, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It's the tax collector, in his childlike humility and dependence, who goes home justified before God.

1. In Prayer: Instead of coming to God with a list of demands or trying to impress Him with our eloquence, we're invited to approach Him as children – with simple trust, open hearts, and a willingness to listen and receive.
2. In Obedience: Like children who trust their parents' guidance, we're called to trust and follow God's commands, even when we don't fully understand the reasons behind them.
3. In Worship: Children are uninhibited in their expressions of love and joy. Our worship can take on this same quality – free from self-consciousness and full of genuine adoration.
4. In Service: Instead of serving God to earn His favor or impress others, we serve out of love and gratitude, like children eager to help their beloved parent.
5. In Evangelism: We share our faith not as those who have all the answers, but as children excited to tell others about their amazing Father.

The invitation to childlike faith is a call to humility. As James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." It's in this posture of humility that we find true exaltation – not by our own efforts or achievements, but by God's grace.

As we navigate the complexities of adult life, with its responsibilities, challenges, and disappointments, let's not lose sight of the simple, profound truth that Jesus taught. The kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him as children – trusting, dependent, forgiving, and full of wonder. May we have the courage to lay aside our adult pretenses and embrace the childlike faith that opens the door to God's kingdom.