“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3
Our sweet granddaughter, “B”, has a lot of enthusiasm for Jesus, and an abundance of love and faith that is pure and beautiful. She is not afraid to love what she loves, and she does so with such joy and passion.
Recently, while looking at my journal and reflecting on what I call “b-isms,” I was reminded of the adorable things she has said and done. When she was three, she would often say, ”I want to have a play date with Jesus.” When our neighbors moved, I said, “Wouldn’t it be great if you could live next door?” She held my cheeks in her little hands and said, “No, Mimi, I don’t want to live next door. I want to live in your house with you.” And, on a warm day in Texas, while out riding bikes, her mom told her they needed to go in. B said, “Mommy, don’t you know heaven is outside?”
Today’s Bible verse reminds us that we must become like little children. We have a lot to learn from children and their marvel. How can our walk with God be more childlike? Do we respond to circumstances with trusting hearts and an eagerness to learn while relying on Christ to sustain us? Are we naturally full of faith while being bold?
C.S. Lewis once said, “Christ wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head.” Simply put, we must love Christ unconditionally while continuously learning about and sharing his love with others.
Jesus, help me to have childlike faith that is passionate and bold. Holy Spirit, draw me closer to you and give me radical love for you and others. Thank you, God, for guiding and teaching me in my walk with you. Amen.
Do you recall something a child said that touched your heart with Truth? Why not share that today with someone else?
By Julie Lairsey
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Your Father’s Heart Longs for You by Sylvia Gunter
• Your Father’s Heart Longs for You by Sylvia Gunter
