Come Follow The One Who Sees the Value in Children

Receiving God's Kingdom Like a Child: A Lesson in Faith and Trust

In the busy streets of ancient Judea, a scene unfolds that has echoed through centuries. Parents are bringing their children to Jesus, hoping for a blessing, a touch, a moment of connection. The disciples, maybe thinking they’re protecting their teacher from unnecessary distractions, begin turning these families away. But Jesus notices, and his reaction is immediate and passionate: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:14-15).

It's a moment that stops us in our tracks. What does it mean to receive God's kingdom like a child? And why is this quality so essential that Jesus says we cannot enter God's kingdom without it? In our adult world of complexity, responsibility, and often cynicism, Jesus points to children as our teachers in faith. Let's explore what this truly means for our lives today.

The Heart of Childlike Faith

Think back to when you were a child. Remember that natural sense of wonder? The way you could look at a butterfly or a sunset and be completely amazed? Children haven't yet learned to take life's beauty for granted. Their capacity for awe remains intact, unspoiled by familiarity or busyness.

This is our first lesson. Children approach life with wonder and openness. When were you last genuinely awestruck by God's creation or presence? Perhaps it's time to recapture that sense of wonder, to look at the world with fresh eyes and an open heart.

Trust Without Reservation

Children also teach us about trust. Watch a father toss his giggling toddler in the air—there's complete trust that Daddy will catch her. Children don't calculate risks or worry about what might go wrong; they trust the one who loves them.

How different is this from our adult tendency to approach God with caution, holding back parts of ourselves, and being afraid to fully surrender? We've been hurt, disappointed, let down. We've learned to protect ourselves. But Jesus invites us back to that place of complete trust—to fall into our Father's arms without reservation, believing He will catch us.

Simplicity Over Complexity

Have you noticed how children can grasp spiritual truths that adults often complicate? Children understand love, forgiveness, and kindness in straightforward terms. They haven't yet built the elaborate frameworks of theological complexity that can sometimes distance us from the heart of faith.

Jesus consistently emphasized simplicity. When asked about the greatest commandment, He didn't offer a complex theological piece but said, "Love God and love your neighbor." Perhaps we sometimes miss the beautiful simplicity at the heart of faith in our pursuit of deeper understanding.

Living in the Present

Watch children at play—they're fully immersed in the moment. They don't worry about tomorrow or ruminate on yesterday. They're present, experiencing life as it unfolds now.

In contrast, how often do we find ourselves anxiously planning or stuck in regrets about the past? Jesus repeatedly taught us to trust God for tomorrow and find peace today. "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34) echoes the childlike ability to live fully in the present moment.

Humility and Teachability

Children know they don't know everything and are okay with that. They ask questions constantly, eager to learn. They readily admit when they don't understand something, free from the pride that often prevents adults from acknowledging our limitations.

This humility is at the heart of spiritual growth. When we think we have all the answers, our learning stops. When we approach God and His Word with the humble recognition that we have much to learn, we position ourselves for growth.

Forgiveness and Fresh Starts

Have you ever observed how quickly children move past hurts? They may be in tears one moment and playing happily the next. They don't harbor grudges or nurture resentments the way adults often do.

This capacity for forgiveness and fresh starts reflects the heart of the gospel. God offers us new beginnings, clean slates, and restored relationships. Like children, we're invited to release hurt quickly and embrace the freedom of forgiveness.

Joy in Simple Things

Children find joy in simple pleasures—a puddle to splash in, a box to play with, a story to hear. They don't need elaborate entertainment or expensive possessions to experience happiness.

In our consumer-driven culture, we often miss the profound joy of simple blessings—a conversation with a friend, the taste of good food, the comfort of home. Childlike faith finds contentment not in having more, but in appreciating what is.

Conclusion

When Jesus pointed to children as examples of faith, He wasn't suggesting childishness or immaturity. Instead, He highlighted qualities that naturally exist in children but that adults must intentionally cultivate—wonder, trust, simplicity, presence, humility, forgiveness, and joy.

These qualities don't develop overnight. They grow as we deliberately practice them, gradually undoing the layers of complexity, doubt, and self-protection we've built over years. It's a journey back to a purer, more direct connection with God—a relationship unmarked by pretense or performance.

The invitation is clear: to receive God's kingdom, we must approach Him as children approach a loving parent—with open hearts, complete trust, and joyful expectation. In doing so, we don't diminish our faith; we enrich it with the qualities that make relationship with God transformative and life-giving.

The Invitation

Today, I invite you to take one step toward childlike faith. Perhaps it's spending time in nature, intending to rediscover wonder. Maybe it's identifying an area where you've been holding back trust from God and consciously releasing your grip. It could simplify your approach to faith by focusing on loving God and loving others in practical ways.

Whatever form it takes, choose one quality of childlike faith to practice this week. Journal about your experience. Notice how it affects your relationship with God and others. Share what you're learning with a friend or family member.

Remember, Jesus didn't suggest that childlike faith was a good option—He said it was essential for entering God's kingdom. That's how important these qualities are. And the beautiful truth is that no matter how far we've journeyed from childlike faith, the path back remains open to us all.

Will you accept the invitation to receive God's kingdom like a child today?

Blessings,

Donna Chandler