Isn't it wonderful how a child can melt the hearts of people – even the roughest and toughest of people. I can remember when my family and I moved to Jamestown, New York only to learn that our new neighbor (an elderly man) had the nickname “Grumpy.” He even had that name on the front of his truck. I have to admit that concerned me, at first.
However, this man was anything but grumpy when it came to Jeremy. As a three and four year old, Jeremy spent a lot of time sitting in the lap of our elderly neighbor sharing all sorts of games and fun. In fact, Jeremy was quite entertaining in the presence of “Grumpy.” And, what was “Grumpy's” response? His response was one of kindness and joy. He looked forward to Jeremy's visits. Yes, take a small child into almost any setting and soon everyone will be smiling and playing.
Reflecting on all of this brings a fresh meaning to Matthew 18:1-6. The disciples were quarreling over places of honor when Jesus set a little child in their midst and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3-4).
There are several characteristics of a little child that we should imitate. For example, a little child is humble. 1 Peter 5:5 reminds us “…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” The last phrase of Proverbs 15:33 says, “And before honor is humility.” To serve God and each other we need the humility of a child.
Second, a little child is pure and innocent. A small child is pure in thought, heart, and action - neither lost nor saved - but is safe. We too must live pure lives. As Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Third, a little child is open to teaching. His mind is ready and eager to learn. The words “what,” “why,” “who,” and “how” dominate his thinking. In the same way, it is only possible for us to learn when our minds are open to the truth. We must imitate the noble Bereans who “were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
We all know that as we continue to mature we are to put off our childish ways. However, there are certain “childish” traits we should never put away – humility, purity, and the desire to learn.
--Larry Sweeney
Emily and I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things,
and be in health just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2)
