One Political Plaza - Home of politics
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Faith, Religion, Spirituality
What was central to Christ's message? Grow down, not up: become as a little child. Few mention this as essential to faith.
Dec 5, 2019 01:23:17   #
rumitoid
 
"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me'” (Matthew 18:1–5, New International Version).

This is not just a basic criterion to be a follower of Christ but THE criterion without which we “will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Serious business that very few Christians, pastors included, mention as what is needed to enter the kingdom.

To become as a little child is necessary to accept the following:
Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit
Not by works but by faith; we cannot earn salvation
The death, descent into hell, resurrection and ascension of Christ
The holiness of the Church and the communion of saints
Christ's second coming, the Day of Judgement and salvation of the faithful

There’s a lot of conjecture about what Jesus means. Are we supposed to become innocent like children? Do we need childlike trust? Luckily, we don’t have to guess what Jesus meant. He tells us.

Children didn’t have a lot of rights in the first century. Kids were seen and not heard. We see this in Luke 18 when parents were bringing their infants to be blessed by Jesus, and the disciples try and chase them away. In their opinion, the Lord had more important things to do.

Jesus uses this opportunity to reiterate one of His most common points about godly leadership. Like children, kingdom-minded leaders shouldn’t be jockeying for position, looking to have power over others, or worrying about how people perceive them. They should serve God by serving others.

He then makes a point that He’ll come back to in a parable about sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31–46). By welcoming and serving those that society doesn’t value, we welcome and serve God. In this case, we serve God by serving children as children.

I think that the childish things Paul said he put away was acting as an adult. We are not to model behavior but let spirit and grace guide us in all things, which can only be done by becoming as a little child. If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth. But what are their divine attributes?

They will sacrifice without any thought to their own safety. Their innocence is not an act. They do not think or consider, "How can I be innocent in this situation?" They are at-one with their being. Out of love and submission to their parents, they obey without objection, completely trusting in them. They are spontaneous, without coyness or an agenda or even a motive. They are loving and at ease and creative and curious and playful and generous. Does that sound like your two or four or ten year old? I am simply talking about what is possible and innocence, as I feel Jesus meant it.

The Bible is clear that children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience or to be broken. They are not a spirit of rebellion no matter how mischievous; they are a reward from God! Truly, children are a gift from God.

Reply
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Faith, Religion, Spirituality
OnePoliticalPlaza.com - Forum
Copyright 2012-2024 IDF International Technologies, Inc.