As a Child

Happy Sunday. Today we continue in our series called Great Expectations. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell us that Jesus said that we were to become like children. We are expected to become like children.

In Matthew 18, the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Who's the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" We're told that Jesus called a child and told the disciples, this is verse 3 of Matthew 18. Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

In Mark chapter 10, we're told that people were bringing their little children to Jesus so that he could touch them and bless them. The disciples tried to stop the parents and the kids from bothering Jesus, and Jesus was not happy with the disciples. In verse 15 of Mark 10, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."

Luke tells us the same thing that Mark did and adds that the parents were even bringing babies. A big baby dedication, if you will. Once again the disciples tried to break it up, and Jesus rebuked the disciples and said once again, "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter into it."

It is true that adults can be childish. That's not at all what Jesus wants. We're told to be childlike. What is it about children that we should copy? I thought of a few examples. You probably can think of many more, but let me start with this one.

Children always remember a promise. I'm amazed at the little steel traps that make up children's brains. They may have trouble remembering their multiplication tables, but tell them at the age of five then that when they are ten you will take them to Disney World. It is embedded in their little brain, and they will never forget it.

It can be little things too, something like, next time we go to Walmart you can get a toy. You may not go back to Walmart for a while, but next time you go, guess what? They will remember. If you've ever dealt with one of these little geniuses, you know that this is true. Children always remember a promise.

As adults, we should always remember our heavenly Father's promises. We should have the promises of God embedded in our brains. Sadly, at times we forget. Never forget the promises of God. Remember like a child should. Children always remember a promise.

Next, I want to point out that children are content. I spent several hours this week with a three-year-old, a 21 month old, and a 9 month old. Offered them a sippy cup of water and a handful of Goldfish crackers, and all is right with the world. An empty box with paper and ribbon, and they would gladly accept the gift, and it would offer hours of fun even though nothing is in the package, just ribbons and paper in a box.

Try that with an adult and see what kind of problems you have. As we grow, we become more and more complicated, and our expectations grow, at times to an unhealthy level. In First Timothy 6, verses 6 through 8, we are told, "True godliness with contentment is itself a great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us into this world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content."

Do you know some who adults who are never satisfied? It's unhealthy, and it's unchristian. So often we focus on what we don't have. We forget what God has given us. Don't miss God's blessings. Be content like a child.

Another lesson from children: children don't worry. They let go of things that they cannot control. They do not fill their lives with the things of this world. I don't know a two-year-old that is so into watching the news, CNN and Fox, that everything else doesn't matter. But turn on Cocomelon or Thomas the Train, and it's time to watch.

You likely know the words of Jesus from Matthew 6: "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body and what you will put on. Is not life more than food, in the body more than clothing? Look and see birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, that your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

One of my favorite things to do is to feed my children, and now my grandchildren, when they come to my house. Jeanne and I both love to feed them. They don't worry about food. Now my wife also loves to clothe them. They don't worry about clothes. When they go home, their parents feed them and clothe them, and that is not a worry at all in their lives. We can learn a lot from children. Children do not worry.

By the way, we need to also know, and this is goes the line with with, um, not worrying, but children trust. They trust even when it doesn't make sense. So many people love the words from Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding." As adults, sometimes that's easier said than done.

Children trust without understanding all the time. I remember taking our kids to the doctor years ago for their immunizations. They didn't understand why they had to get a shot when they were well, but they trusted me to do what was best for them.

Jesus, of course, was right when he said that we were to become like children. Remember his promises. Be content. Stop worrying. Trust your heavenly Father.

Pray with me. Father, thank you for accepting us, and help us to never grow so mature that we can't trust, then we can't lean on you and just trust you. So Father, help us to be child like in our faith, to take you at your word every moment of every day. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Thanks for joining me today. God bless.