by Luke Kincaid
For the past two weeks our children’s ministry has been up and running and it has been so much fun to be interacting with the little ones again! I have been reminded that children are such an important part of church gatherings because we actually have a lot to learn from them:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child — this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me – Matthew 18:1-5 CSB
I love these words from Jesus as they show us the importance of possessing a childlikeness in our everyday lives. But what does this mean practically? Got Questions puts it like this:
“So, as the disciples focus on what constitutes “greatness” in heaven, Jesus provides a new perspective: the way “up” is “down.” Meekness is required (cf. Matthew 5:5). Jesus exhorts the disciples (and us) to seek to possess a childlike modesty in addition to their faith. Those who willingly take the lowest position are the greatest in heaven’s eyes. A young child is destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness and is therefore a good example for us. Children are characteristically humble and teachable. They aren’t prone to pride or hypocrisy. Humility is a virtue rewarded by God; as James says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).”
Wow… how amazing is it that the reminder of how we should strive to live out our daily lives as children of God can be seen around us nearly all the time. Children are the reminder that as disciples of Jesus we are called to humility – not having to worry about our pride or succumb to the temptation of self-righteous living.
We can happily take the lowest place because we worship the highest King! We do nothing to earn our place in God’s family and we do not have to try and do so just as little children don’t try to earn the favor of their parents. So let’s all try and be a little more childlike today by showing humility and by being teachable while throwing our pride aside.
Much love,
Luke
