Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
Too often children are seen as liabilities rather than as assets. But the Bible calls children “a heritage from the Lord,” a reward. We can learn valuable lessons from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirits. Those who view children as a distraction or nuisance should instead see them as an opportunity to shape the future. We dare not treat children as an inconvenience when God values them so highly.
Did I ever tell you that I have a grandson? No, well his name is Colton Patrick Browne and this week is his birthday. He will be 2.
Colton trusts his parents and grandparents because he feels secure. For him all he needs to feel secure is a loving look and a gentle touch from someone who cares. Complete intellectual understanding is not one of his requirements. He believes only if he trusts.
Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Jesus said that people should believe in Him with this kind of childlike faith. We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. This doesn’t mean that we should be childish or immature, but we should trust God with a child’s simplicity and receptivity.
Matthew 18:1-6 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
We become so preoccupied with the organization of our earthly requirements that we lose sight of the divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, we seek positions of advantage. It is easy to lose our eternal perspective and compete for promotions or status in the church. It is difficult to identify with children – weak and dependent people with no status or influence.
Children are trusting by nature. They trust adults and through that trust their capacity to trust God grows. God holds parents and other adults who influence children accountable for how they affect these little ones’ ability to trust. Jesus warned that anyone who turns little children away from faith will receive severe punishment.
As Colton turns 2 this week I am reminded of how it is to be young again and what Jesus was teaching in these passages. We are not to be childish, arguing over petty issues, but childlike, with humble and sincere hearts.
Are you being childish or childlike?
Colton, you are loved by everyone that knows you, but especially by God. Happy Birthday.
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