Childish vs Child-like
We have a daycare at our church. I was there one afternoon when I watched one of the youngest children walk up to our pastor and put her arms in the air. The message she was sending was indisputable. Without speaking a word, everyone in that room knew what she wanted. Our Pastor responded directly, sweeping her up into his arms where she adjusted herself for a better view.
The scene struck me because it was such a strong demonstration of how we're supposed to respond to God. We were not called out to leave our brains at the door, devoid of ability or accomplishment, as some outside the Body of Christ would like to suggest. No, we are called to be fully functioning adults who understand that there is One who is bigger, stronger and always ready to respond to our slightest call for help, even when it's silent.
Too often, I think we blur the line in our Christian walk between child-like and childish. We substitute immaturity for humility, and they couldn't be more different. To be humble is to know who is above you. To be immature is to assume everyone is beneath you. And, for clarity, to be foolish is to know one's position, and assume superiority anyway.
Those of us who know Christ are called to make disciples by showing and teaching all that Christ showed and taught (Matthew 28:19-20). But, there isn't a teacher working who wouldn't expect some demonstration of learning. We have to have expectations of ourselves and those around us, just as Our Father has expectations of us. Without them, we don't grow and we become more childish than child-like.
Mark 10:13-16
King James Version (KJV)
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Trust in the Lord. Receive His truth. Receive Him as a child does, open, full of expectation without doubt. Let the Lord sweep you up in His arms and carry you through life. You'll have a better view. You'll never tire. And you'll always be close to Him.
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