There are definitely things that we need to leave in childhood. Paul reflects on this in 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
On the other hand, when Jesus talked about children, it was with direction for us to be more like them in Luke 18:15-17
Having 2 boys under 2 at the moment in our household is definitely an eye opener to the relationship that I’ve had, and should have, with our Heavenly Father (in fact, I’m typing this one-handed with my nearly 3 week old son, Jacob, in my arm).
Here’s 3 things that my eldest boy, who’s 2 months of turning 2, has reminded me that I need in my life.
- A sense of Wonder
There is nothing more magical than the look on a young childs face as they are discovering things for the first time in life. Whether it’s a bird flying by, or the nose on someone’s face – they are amazed.
It’s such a shame that as we grow we lose this sense of wonder and just go through life in a sense of familiarity with everything. We miss so much of the joys of life.
We can, we should, and we must find again that sense of wonder in our lives. I believe that God is our greatest source of wonder and wonderful things.
2. Absolute Trust
This is something that is definitely lost with time. Hurt, pain, betrayal, disappointment, and life in general have a way of depleting the balance of our ‘trust bank’.
But this is also something that is imperative to our relationship with God. The way my boy jumps, dives, catapults himself off anything and everything (usually using his Dad as his own personal jungle-gym) and simply expecting to be caught before he hits the ground, is from his belief that Daddy won’t let him fall.
Now, while I’ve been lucky to date with catching him, luck doesn’t come into it with God. We can trust Him implicitly. Check out this Psalm:
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Psalm 121 (NKJV)
God the Help of Those Who Seek HimA Song of Ascents.121 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; 5 The Lord is your keeper; 7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; |
Our lives and perspective change dramatically when we allow ourselves to learn to trust again, even though…
3. Innocence
This is something that many of us struggle with. Especially if we bring to mind our less-than-perfect past.
But I’m not talking so much about a sinless life. I’m talking about innocence in the way that scripture mentions in Romans 16:19, “…but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.”
Let’s remember that Jesus didn’t have to be an expert on tax to win Matthew. He also didn’t have to have experienced particular sins to relate to the sinner. Grace & love are a universal language that sinners understand.
Yes, it can help to have walked a mile or two in someone’s shoes to relate, but please remember that it is not a pre-requisite for reaching the lost.
The only pre-requisite for reaching the lost, is a heart of love to share God’s grace mercifully.
Conclusion:
Know that you are loved by your Heavenly Father and know that you have the capacity to love others in the same way. They need you to share His love with them.
Regain that sense of wonder, the ‘wow-factor’ in regards to life.
Keep innocence with you in righteousness. Not as ignorance, but as righteousness. Innocence is rare these days and you have been blessed with it through the Blood of Jesus.
God bless you today and in the week ahead.
Be blessed & be a blessing.
Graham