Like A Child!

Like A Child!

Matthew 18:3-4 KJV

[3] and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Heaven's recommended solutions to earthly problems will not always align with logic or common sense. The earthly problem here was that the disciples had heard a lot about the glory and grandeur of the kingdom of heaven, and wanted to know who is the greatest in that  kingdom. They may have argued amongst themselves, wondering what to do to ensure that they were counted among the greatest. As with all things connected to heaven, the solution is never in line with man's schemes or expectations. Man seeks glory and honour by position or possession, and can sometimes kill in order to attain to the level of recognition and applause that is at best temporal and ephemeral. The natural man thrives on all things earthly, and there will be a need for a change of foundation and focus, if man will lay hold of that which God is able to do in his life. 

No matter my age, current networth, network and circle of influence, the foundation of all that God counts as important is in conversion into a little child. This image is powerful: it is a little child in focus here: dependent on adults for help, always trusting no matter how incredulous the promise is. This is why little children believe in fairy tales, as well as Santa Claus. When they have established a new relationship with you, they never outgrow it, unless and until they reach adulthood and understand the reasons behind the actions of adults in their lives. They can hardly hold a grudge, as one moment, you may chastise them for a wrong, and within seconds, all is forgotten and forgiven. The image of a little child presented to adults like Peter, or the 2 brothers who wanted positions of glory in the kingdom of Jesus, is indeed powerful. 

This is the message of the verses above. Take all that the world teaches you about how to make it in life with a pinch of salt. Some schemes may make you wealthy, but if the foundation is not built on the principles of the verses above, this would not last. Entering into the kingdom of heaven requires a change of heart, a lowering of demands for earthly excellence and a need for recognition or human applause. The things of the world do not count where heavenly relevance is at stake. Before now, I may have thought myself irreplaceable; the verses above enjoin me to have a rethink and reorder my priorities. I have to humble myself if I am to access the amazing benefits available to all who come by simple faith to Jesus. Like a child, there can be no pretence, hypocrisy or eye-service. It is simple faith and acceptance of all that Jesus has done and given as sufficient. God's time of favour is here.