As a Child

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.” Matthew 18:2-4.

Where did I lose my childhood? When did I become this overly serious, boring adult? And why? “Well, that’s part of growing up,” some equally boring adult intones. “We must put away childish things.” But why?

To a child life is joy, it’s adventure, it’s fun. How I miss that sometimes. A child doesn’t worry about where its next meal is coming from or how he’s going to pay for all his toys. We adults have lots of toys, but they are too often a weight around our necks. We have little time to play with them, because we’re too busy trying to pay for them.

A child never thinks about risk. A child will jump off a swing in full flight, sailing gleefully through the air, without a second thought. The last time I tried to do that was when I was in my late 30’s and I had to nearly pry my fingers off the rope swing, so I could jump. I did it, but I was terrified! What if I break an ankle? What if I can’t work? I totally missed out on the joy of the flight, due to fear about the landing.

A child trusts completely. If a father tells his son, “Jump. I’ll catch you,” the boy is in the air almost before the words are out of his father’s mouth. There is no thought about consequences, no doubt in his father’s ability to catch him, no fear about the landing.

Is it any wonder Jesus said, “…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”? God doesn’t need uptight adults who when He calls them respond, “Just a minute Lord, let me finish this job,” or “Don’t you think that’s a little risky, Lord? What about my bills? What about my house?” No, God needs “children”, adults with child-like faith who when Jesus says, “Come and follow me” will respond, “Sure, Father, that sounds like fun,” trusting Him to take care of the details. He needs people willing to jump into His arms, risking it all, knowing there is no risk at all when He is there to catch them.

Lord, make me “as a child” again.