“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.” Matthew 18:3-4
We’ve all heard these verses. However, have we ever truly given this commandment from Jesus much thought?
Well, if not now, when? Let’s dive into some specific things that we should learn from children.
1) Become more enthusiastic.
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” Psalm 71:23
As we become older, it’s easy to become bogged down by Satan & the things of the world. We often lose the boundless, pure joy that we often see in children. Pray for God to restore this to you, no matter how old you may be.
2) Don’t let your inhibitions hold you back.
“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold[.]” 2 Corinthians 3:12
Children are bold without even realizing it. As we get older, though, we develop ideas of what’s considered normal and what’s considered awkward. If we didn’t develop these, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our true potential when it comes to having a social life. However, sometimes these ideas get in the way of our making a difference. We should reach for that unashamed boldness that many children have.
3.) Be quick to give affection to Jesus and to others.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
If you’ve ever received a hug from any decent child, (and especially if you’ve received one from a particularly sweet child) you know that they can be masters of showing affection. There’s nothing like the feeling you get from a little child running up and throwing their arms around you. Love for the people they treasure is apparent in most children. It’s absolutely effervescent—and we are called to show love that is just as radiant.
4) Live in wonder at God’s creation, what He’s done, what He’s doing, and how He’s blessed you.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
As children learn about the world around them, they are often infused with wonder. Their wide-eyed fascination with God’s creation brings much joy—and we should take the time to appreciate just how amazing the things He’s made are! We should appreciate God’s awe-inspiring deeds even more. Look upon all He’s made and done with new eyes, and marvel like a child discovering it for the first time.
However, we all know that kids aren’t always the best role models. We’ve all witnessed kids throwing fits, being a little too honest (or far too honest), and generally being immature. After all, they’re still growing and developing. Thus, we must make sure that we continue to mature and grow while maintaining a childlike spirit.
Here are some ways in which we must mature.
1) Dive deeper into the Word.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God[.]” Hebrews 5:12–6:1
Whereas Jesus told His followers to become more like children, the Hebrew writer urged his or her readers to mature and grow. This isn’t a contradiction, but rather another side of preserving one’s inner child. Jesus commands us to become like children, not to become or remain children. There are things in the Word that we don’t understand as children. We must never become content with where we are in our understanding of the Word or relationship with God, but diligently strive to grow in both realms every day.
2) Pursue goals with diligence.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” Philippians 3:13-15
Oftentimes, children get distracted and choose to do what is fun or easy, rather than prioritizing and accomplishing what truly needs to be done. This is a temptation for all of us at some point in our lives, but we must mature past this so that we can complete our goals and make the most of each moment. However, we also must allow ourselves rest and leisure time so that we don’t become burnt out.
3) Choose not to argue or complain.
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil[.]” 2 Timothy 2:22-24
One of the most important lessons that we learn as we mature is that we must choose our battles. Christ encourages us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). It’s harder than it sounds, especially when we know we’re right. Drawing upon the self-control that God provides us with is worth it, though. In the end, being kind is far better than proving we are right.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world[.]” Philippians 2:14-15
Children typically make their complaints loud and clear, and it becomes exasperating almost immediately. In fact, many people, not just children, put people through this torture. This author included, unfortunately. It’s so incredibly easy to do, but not easy to listen to. Once again, self-control is key here. When you utilize it and stem the flow of complaints, both you and those around you will benefit.
4) Grow stronger and more steadfast in your faith.
“Until we all attain to the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ[.]” Ephesians 4:13-15
Children are easily influenced, as their ideas, standards, and beliefs are still in formation. We must define and strengthen our foundations so that we can stand firm, no matter what or who comes our way.
We have to learn to balance having a childlike spirit and growing in maturity.
Be childlike, not childish.
Never grow up, but also never stop growing.