The Full Monty, Whole Enchilida to being a Christian: "be as a little child" This thread is not your usual Sunday School approach.
Apr 11, 2019 21:13:20 #
"I tell you the truth, unless you turn and become as a little child, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mt18:3) "Become" is not just the crucial key word here but for our entire life in Christ. Become is the end to belief. Become is the end of belief. "When Jesus said "believe" in numerous verses, it was not to forge articles of faith, creeds, theology, dogma, and doctrine, however helpful such things may be to possibly drawing closer to Christ (or not), but to live the truth of who Christ is, to be at-one with his spirit.
Beliefs can obstruct the fullness of our faith. It is a half-measure. This may not seem like a perfect analogy but if I believe I can be a Rock Star and then actually become a Rock Star, of what use is that belief? How many thousands of sects with various and often conflicting beliefs? We have ecumenical movements trying to develop closer relationships and better understandings by attempting to reconcile differing beliefs. It is a useless exercise.
Beliefs can be endlessly argued; love brings stillness to heart and mind.
Beliefs can change; Love is unchanging.
Beliefs move through various stages; love is immovable.
Beliefs can be weak; love is all power.
Beliefs can fail; "love never fails."
But the worst thing about beliefs is that because of them we think that we are true Christians by holding certain ones.
What does it mean "to become as a little child"? Consider this scripture: A lesser known incident happens when the disciples return all excited from their first missionary journey, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name” (Luke 10:17, NIV). Jesus responds with a joyous prayer, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Luke 10:21).
Any more attempts at explaining why "becoming as a little child" is the whole enchilada will fall short of understanding. The usual explanations by Christian leaders is off the mark. I offer a few points.
No one knows God better than the little child. No, that is not quite right: No one knows God BUT the little child. The Bible is a children's book; only they can translate truth.
A child does not act innocently; they are innocence. The little child used by Christ expresses purity of heart, one so thoroughly obedient through love as to be of one spirit with him.
Beliefs can obstruct the fullness of our faith. It is a half-measure. This may not seem like a perfect analogy but if I believe I can be a Rock Star and then actually become a Rock Star, of what use is that belief? How many thousands of sects with various and often conflicting beliefs? We have ecumenical movements trying to develop closer relationships and better understandings by attempting to reconcile differing beliefs. It is a useless exercise.
Beliefs can be endlessly argued; love brings stillness to heart and mind.
Beliefs can change; Love is unchanging.
Beliefs move through various stages; love is immovable.
Beliefs can be weak; love is all power.
Beliefs can fail; "love never fails."
But the worst thing about beliefs is that because of them we think that we are true Christians by holding certain ones.
What does it mean "to become as a little child"? Consider this scripture: A lesser known incident happens when the disciples return all excited from their first missionary journey, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name” (Luke 10:17, NIV). Jesus responds with a joyous prayer, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Luke 10:21).
Any more attempts at explaining why "becoming as a little child" is the whole enchilada will fall short of understanding. The usual explanations by Christian leaders is off the mark. I offer a few points.
No one knows God better than the little child. No, that is not quite right: No one knows God BUT the little child. The Bible is a children's book; only they can translate truth.
A child does not act innocently; they are innocence. The little child used by Christ expresses purity of heart, one so thoroughly obedient through love as to be of one spirit with him.
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