Daily Devotions
Becoming Like Little Children
Reading for August 1st: Isaiah 18-22
Weekly reading for July 26-Aug 1: Matthew 15-19
"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
Why did Jesus tell us to become like little children? There are many things that are commendable in children (innocence, honesty, simplicity, etc.) but Jesus tells us that humility is the childlike quality we must possess to become great in the kingdom.
I remember when my children were little, how they completely trusted in me and depended on me for everything. It's not that they don't trust me now or depend on me, but it's not the same. Anyone who has children knows what I'm talking about. There's something about the humility of a little child. They do not question what you say. They believe in you and trust you implicitly.
Of course, trusting in a human parent who is both limited in wisdom and broken by sin can be a bad thing. Eventually our children learn that we are not always trustworthy and that we don't have all the answers. What happens to us as we "grow up" is we lose that innocent, simple trusting faith in others. That's why Jesus said that we must "turn and become like children." We must learn to trust again.
The beauty of the kingdom of heaven is that it is ruled by an all-wise, all-powerful, faithful, merciful and loving heavenly Father who never makes mistakes. He always has our best interests at heart. He always keeps his promises. He will never let us down or disappoint us.
Father, help us to become like little children again by humbling ourselves before you and by learning to trust you more and more.
