13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 NLT
Be Like a Child
Introduction
Didn’t have much experience with young children before I had my own, so I was shocked at their personalities and their demeanor. And I was honestly delighted with what I found out.
Now I’m not saying that children are perfect and that they don’t need to be disciplined but there seems to be some special qualities that most children possess naturally.
That being said, I can honestly say that I can understand why Jesus would be upset with his disciples for not allowing the children access to Him. He knew the heart of a child and He said that we too must have a childlike faith, in order to enter the Kingdom of God.
So specifically what characteristics do children have that we must emulate in order to enter the kingdom of God ourselves. Well here are five very important ones.
I. Very honest—no pretension—With them, what you see is what you get. I started my teaching career in the upper grades, high school and middle school, so when I moved to the lower grades, especially first grade---six- and seven-year old’s, then I realized that you really have to have a thick skin because they will tell you THE truth. If your hair looks dumb or your clothes don’t fit quite right or you look tired or fuss too much, they will tell you. A little kid is the reason that I will never again mispronounce the word electricity. I had grown lax in my enunciation of the word and carelessly said the word electwist-ity in this child’s hearing. He looked up at me and said, Electwist-ity, while proceeding to get out of his seat to do the twist, with a look of glee on his face—and then said, “You mean like this Miss Rhodes?”
Horrified I quickly restated it correctly and have never forgotten that lesson. Grown-ups might have laughed behind my back, and some may have corrected me, but none would have done it with as much joy and memorabilia and that young boy did. Children are honest.
II. Easy to forgive—Children can have a knock down drag out argument with their best friend and minutes later they are hugging and laughing and can’t remember that they even had a problem with each other. Adults—we hang on to that thing so long that we forget the details and all we remember is that we’re supposed to be mad at each other and not forgive the other person. NO! Be like a child—Forgive!! Let it go!
III. Happy w/most anything you give them, until we teach them differently. I have seen my kids take a cardboard box that I planned to throw away and have the most fun with it. My orange yoga mat is a favorite play item for granddaughters. They exercise on it and then take turns rolling each other up into burritos, with it.
They have had just as much fun with that as any expensive gadget that we might make them believe is so great.
My point is that unless you teach them differently, kids are grateful for the simple things. And for us, we often allow society to dictate what we are grateful for –rather than being appreciative for waking up—in our right mind—having the full use of our limbs—being able to see the sun and moon and so forth. Be happy for the simple things
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