You Grow by Becoming Childlike

[Christ4Ever]

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Luke 18:17

Jesus holds up children to you as your teachers about the kingdom of God. What is it about children that makes them so qualified to teach you about receiving God's kingdom? Perhaps their simple dependence and trust in their parents can show you what it's like to live in the freedom of God's realm.

If you listen to enough interviews of adults who grew up in poverty, you'll notice several trends emerge. In most cases, they'll note that during their childhood they "never knew" they were poor, or that their parents found ways to make things work out. Even in some of the most challenging cases of need, children found contentment and confidence in their parents. It turns out that in many cases, a loving and present parent was more than enough to compensate for the challenges of life.

Whether you're secure or in great need today a childlike dependence on God is where you'll find long-term contentment and security. You often hear of growing in wisdom or maturity in the Christian faith, and they certainly have their place. However, Jesus also expects you to grow more "childlike" if you're going to truly live in His kingdom.

 

[Bendito]

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Luke 18:17

Jesus holds up children to you as your teachers about the kingdom of God. What is it about children that makes them so qualified to teach you about receiving God's kingdom? Perhaps their simple dependence and trust in their parents can show you what it's like to live in the freedom of God's realm.

If you listen to enough interviews of adults who grew up in poverty, you'll notice several trends emerge. In most cases, they'll note that during their childhood they "never knew" they were poor, or that their parents found ways to make things work out. Even in some of the most challenging cases of need, children found contentment and confidence in their parents. It turns out that in many cases, a loving and present parent was more than enough to compensate for the challenges of life.

Whether you're secure or in great need today a childlike dependence on God is where you'll find long-term contentment and security. You often hear of growing in wisdom or maturity in the Christian faith, and they certainly have their place. However, Jesus also expects you to grow more "childlike" if you're going to truly live in His kingdom.

Very Good....I think that's it exactly

 

[Bendito]

Very Good....I think that's it exactly

I took out my canoe for a hunting trip one day. My seven year old daughter insisted on going with me, and I allowed it. I was only going to drift down a river and see what I would see, and the water was not high that time of year. As we went I told her that if we tipped over she should hang on tight to the canoe, and I would keep her safe. Well sure enough, we were running rapids often but with the river so low they were no problem, until we came to one that literally swept around one hundred eighty degrees. The river turned back on itself. I set us up for the turn, coming into the curve sideways so I could paddle us out and there was a log on the outside of the curve that had a thick branch sticking out from it like an arm with a fist...The fist took me right smack in the center of my chest and the canoe was swept under it onto it's side. I simply stepped out of the canoe and came upright in about waist deep water. Ice water! Grabbing the canoe I righted it and my daughter came upright with it. I had to laugh. She got so scared that she did not even leave her seat! We were way back in the woods now, and she cried from shock and fear until I cautioned her that a child crying in our situation could bring more trouble than we already had, and she quieted down. Smart kid! Well as it turned out, we had to spend the night out there and get her dry and warmed up. I marveled at that little girl, how she leaned on me, trusted me, and stuck close to me obeying each instruction I gave her to the letter.
My daughter BELIEVED She trusted in, adhered to, and relied upon me to keep her safe. Which I did. All night long, with her bed in snow she was warm, dry and slept like a seven year old. LOL In fact...She was eating a bit in the morning with tears running down her face, so I asked her what was wrong. She was worried about her mother being afraid for us. No worries about herself though.
We need to learn childlike faith in our Father too. Just like my little girl showed me.

BTW. I had no trouble taking care of us in the woods...I come from a long line of trappers and woodsmen.

 

[Christ4Ever]

@Bendito
Thank-you for sharing that story. Truly touches the heart you sharing that memory for me and others to read.
Thank God that you were provided the life skills necessary to keep that youngin safe!

Growing up in the city and having my dad die when I was young. The skills I could have learned from him,
did not happen. I've always wondered what I could have learned from him. He being born in Puerto Rico in 1888
and leaving the island at the age of 12 to make his way in the world. Hummm......Still, no use crying over spilled milk.
Those life experiences were replaced with others that have allowed me to help others in their walk with Christ.
Experiences that if they hadn't happened, I wouldn't have been able to help them due to the lack of understanding in
those areas. God surely knows what He's doing brother!

Again, thank-you for sharing that story of you and your daughter. Memories like that live a lifetime and then some.
God bless you.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
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