We all have certain people in our lives that just light up a room when they walk in. For me, it’s my niece. She is 11 years old now and I still get just as excited to see her as when she was first born. I do not have children, so God has given me the amazing privilege to watch this child grow and thrive. I love to go anywhere with her. I love just sitting in a room with her! I find her questions fascinating and her hunger to learn about life simply contagious. She makes me want to live, not just exist. I love and want to share her vibrancy. There’s such a freedom in that. God made us this way. The world knocks the breath out of us as we get older. We have to be intentional about protecting the true nature The Lord has given us.
Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:2-3 NLT) Wait! Jesus said that? I thought we were supposed to grow and mature and be more serious about life. We are. But Jesus was teaching a very important lesson here. He wants us to remain teachable and fully reliant on our Father. He never wants us to get to a place where we “feel” like we can do life without Him. He wants to be the first One we run to with victories, anxieties, questions etc. He also wants us to move past the sin in our lives that keep tripping us up. (Hebrew 12:1 NLT) Children get into quarrels with each other, they say they’re sorry and then move on. They don’t hold onto it for years and years. This, my friend, is maturity at a high level. Children cheer each other on. They don’t try to cheat one another out of a position. Children are way more innocent than adults. Life hasn’t had enough time to mold them yet. I think all of us could learn a little something from watching children do life together. In my opinion, this is some of what Jesus was referring to when stating we need to become like children.
Some of you are probably equating “childlike” with “childish”. Two very different character traits. Childlike says “things may be tough, but my God is tougher!” Childish says “this didn’t turn out like I planned it so I’m mad and going to make everyone miserable.” Totally different perspectives. A trusting child will instinctively know that a loving Father knows best. We may not like how He has chosen to do something, but we’ll be protected and safe regardless. A childish individual wants something right now, their way. Don’t even try to change their mind. They’re on a self-declared mission!
Jesus also wants us to enjoy our lives more. This enjoyment will only come by being in God’s will. You can be at peace when you know you’re being cared for by The One who knows everything. Kids find pleasure in the most simple things. They’re not worried about power bills and traffic jams. They just live life. I know those things are reality but God promises to provide His children with our needs. We can rest in that and relax. Jesus said “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT) Don’t let the enemy steal your innocence. Be like a trusting child towards a loving parent. Our Heavenly Father will not let us down. It’s His idea that we have this abundant life. So take a chance. Live it with thanksgiving towards The One who is worthy. He’s given us so much to enjoy!
This world is certainly not easy. It’s especially hard when you become calloused to everything and everyone. Thank goodness we can look to The Lord for guidance. He wants to keep us like moldable, soft clay in His Hands. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! (Psalms 103:5 NLT) This is good news! Everywhere we are hardened, we can ask Him to soften our hearts in that area. He wants to. He’s the only One with the power to do so. By letting go and letting God direct our steps, we will truly be able to experience His goodness here on earth. With a trusting heart and a loving God, we will be able to live with childlike splendor. This is the “easiness” that my niece walks in that I so desire. Lord, help us to be childlike!
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.