- Morning Devotional
- May 31,
2005
"Like Little Children"
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At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (Matthew 18:1-6 NLT).
In our reading this morning Jesus was teaching the disciples what it meant to be his follower. There are so many people today who are confused about the true characteristics of discipleship. I believe that the reason Jesus used this example was to create less confusion, not increase it!
The following list comes from a wonderful book by Cynthia Copeland Lewis that details some of the lessons she has learned about being a child. Read them with the thought in mind of their application to the life of faith.
§ You can be anything you want to be when you grow up. § Nobody can pedal the bike for you. § If you wait until you’re really sure, you’ll never take off your training wheels. § Nobody notices when your zipper is up, but everyone notices when your zipper is down. § Sometimes you have to take the test before you’ve finished studying. § If you’re going to fight, use pillows. § Before you trade sandwiches, check between the bread. § You have to eat a lot of cereal before you find the free toy. § If you want a kitten, start out asking for a horse. § You don’t have to own a swing to enjoy it. § It doesn’t matter how fast you’re running with the ball if you’re going in the wrong direction. § Sometimes the biggest apple has the biggest worm. § Every castle has a dungeon. § A little kiss can make a big difference. 1
Do you see the simplicity of it? Following Jesus is not really about doing things. It is about being someone. Recently I went to worship at a neighboring church. The music was good and the pastor was very personable. I enjoyed the entire service. However, I’m afraid that one of basic premises of the thought was that for someone to be a “true” Christian they were required to prove it by their actions. There is no doubt that real faith results in a changed lifestyle and different behavioral patterns. However, I cannot see Jesus being nearly as narrow in his definition as many are today. Childlike humility and love are the keys to following Christ. How much like a little child are you? Perhaps it is time for you to step back for a little while and return to your childhood!
1. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me by Cynthia Copeland Lewis, quoted in MSC Health Action News, Jan./Feb. 1997, p. 7
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