Collection: Be Like Little Children 3

And He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes Me." (Matthew 18:3-5)

Jesus responds to the disciples' question about who would be greatest in His kingdom, addressing their underlying issue: Their desire for prestige and honor. These are not fitting pursuits for God's people in His kingdom's paradigm. Childlike faith is accepting, wonder-filled, unrestrained, playful, dependent, receptive, unpretentious, unambitious—these are the childlike attributes that He wants to see in us. We must change and stop disparaging others in God's kingdom or seeking self-promotion. Take the lowly position of a child toward your Heavenly Father, and be childlike in your acceptance of His love and truth, and humble toward Him and toward others in His kingdom who are likewise children of God. Welcome these other little children in the name of Jesus, and in doing so, bless Him and receive the blessing that accompanies receiving Him.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the blessings You have for me in humility. Set me free from absurd expectations and delusions, and make me childlike in acceptance, affection, humility, and dependence upon You. You, God, are my Father, my Provider, my Healer, and you have blessed me with Your love and grace and mercy. Make me humble and receptive of others, unpretentious and never seeking glory for myself, only for You.

You are free to be like a little child in your receptivity toward God and your dependence upon Him. Seek Him humbly, and lay down prideful delusions and self-expectations