Jesus said several times to that whoever doesn’t come to God’s kingdom as a child will not enter it.
Mark 10:15, in Jesus’ own words: “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” He also said the same thing in Luke and in Matthew, he says, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
But what does this mean, exactly? Firstly, we know when Jesus Himself says something, it’s very important and even more so when its repeated multiple times.
Jesus was without sin; we all know this. So, if you take away the sin from a child—the rebellion and attitude they can sometimes have, etc.—what are you left with?
Children are so quick to believe and trust others. Unless they’ve gone through something tragic, most generally children believe so easily. Some would consider this naïve, and it is, in a way, but I remember back in my own life. Growing up in a Christian household, having faith in God was as easy as breathing. It was a part of who I was and I didn’t question anything. I saw bad things happen—went through a car accident and my parents divorce, along with several deaths—but I always believed God was in control and never once blamed Him for anything. As an adult, it became harder and harder to believe as easily—sometimes, like fighting an uphill battle.
I also think about how huge my imagination was. It still is, but when I was a kid, I could play with toys—dinosaurs, animals, and barbies for hours. I could run around my house or yard and literally believe that I was in dinosaur times or any other adventure I wanted to have. My mind could picture it so clearly around me. I think about how playful children are, and sometimes, silly. Sometimes, they can put a smile on even the hardest of faces.
There’s an old saying that says, “Oh, the faith of a child!” I think that encompasses what Jesus was talking about here. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. I think Jesus wants us to come to Him with childlike faith, that belief that is so easy as breathing. It’s a part of our being.
Most children trust their parents. They believe that their parents are going to be around forever and will always be there to help. When they need something, Mom and Dad will be there to help. They’re the ones they go to with any question, and Mom and Dad always seem to know everything. Even as adults, most of us still go to our parents for things we need.
Imagine if we saw God that way—believing in Him as easy as we breathed, going to Him with all our questions, problems, and concerns. Trusting that He will always be there with us and that if we have an issue, He will always have the answer and will always come to the rescue.
Can you imagine how different our lives would be if we did this?
Such a simple statement Jesus made and yet, I wonder how huge of a life changing experience this would make in all our lives if we followed and obeyed this simple commandment. It may be easier said than done, now that we’re all adults, but next time, come to God as a child—not as an adult.
Let your imaginations, questions, curiosity, faith, belief, wonder, awe, playfulness, and trust rest totally and completely on Him. Treat Him like a father, because He is—Your Heavenly Father and mine.
