Thought for Saturday, February 11th

February 11, 2012

Like A Child

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Luke 9:46-48

Quote of the Day:

“One of the most obvious facts about grown-ups to a child, is that they have forgotten what is like to be a child.” – Randall Jarrell

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Childhood, what a wondrous stage of life: It is that time before cynicism and mistrust have rooted themselves into the processes of our thinking.  It is that season of life when everything holds an aura of excitement and so many things are yet to be.  It is that period of our existence when innocence and purity still have influence and in which they impact and affect our perceptions on life and the reality of the world that is before us.

Is it any wonder then that Jesus told His disciples that they must embrace the Kingdom of God as little children?  Have you ever wondered how much easier it would be to walk by faith if we didn’t have so many adult issues clouding our minds and affecting our judgment?  Wouldn’t it be easier to trust God if we didn’t find ourselves always second-guessing what He means by what He says: if only we could accept His words as truth, just because He says it?  It might be less difficult to be obedient if were weren’t trying to rationalize and get God to see things from our point of view and how things are based on our level of experience in life.

To be childlike when it comes to the things of God sounds like a good goal to aim at.  This does not mean we don’t have to mature spiritually; it only means we retain the purity and innocence of childhood while growing in truth and wisdom.

If we would only surrender ourselves with unyielding abandonment to our praise and our acts of worship the way children do their activities and endeavors we might accomplish much greater deeds for the kingdom of God.

But keep in mind being child-like does not mean we have to be childish.

Today’s Prayer

Father you are so strong, powerful, wise and understanding: I am so blessed to be your child.  Help me to maintain a childlike quality and essence in my walk of faith without becoming overly childish in my interactions with my brothers and sisters in the faith.

“A Child’s attitude to everything is always an artist’s attitude.”

-          Willa Cather

“Word of God speak, pour down like rain…”

- from ‘Word of God Speak’ by Mercy Me