Soul Food: “Becoming Like a Child” by Katie Taylor

Becoming Like a Child

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.” Matthew 18:2-3 NIV

I spend my days with my three children who are all under five. While I teach them about life, it is amazing and humbling how much they actually teach me. The world says they are growing up to become like my husband and me, but this Scripture suggests that we need to change and become like them. So, what does that look like?

One of the definitions of change is to “turn back again.” Here are a few of my favorite observations of my kids, and each is an area I could use some change in. I thought I’d share in hopes that we can all “turn back again” and become more like them.

Children:

Live only in the present.

Understand heaven and cheer when people go.

Rush to help people in need.

Ask God for big things.

Rest everyday.

Sing and dance freely.

Engage everyone in their path.

Receive gifts with joy, no matter what they can offer in return.

Play. A lot.

Are unashamedly needy.

Have tender hearts.

Are quick to cry.

Are taken with the wonder of creation.

Are always learning.

Build relationships in person.

Don’t hide their feelings.

Never sugar coat the truth, but always tell it sweetly.

Don’t mind getting dirty.

Create and build things with their own hands.

Are quick to say I’m sorry.

Are quick to forgive. And forget.

Use their imaginations.

Dream really big.

Say those dreams out loud.

Hug often.

Need to be held.

Know they are royalty.

Wear tiaras.

Fight bad guys with swords.

Speak up when things aren’t right.

Hate being in the dark alone.

Seek justice.

Love to talk about their boo boos and scars.

Have a better day when they obey.

Can be in real danger when they don’t.

Are captivated by Bible stories.

Believe in miracles.

See their Daddy as their main source of protection.

Miss their Daddy if they don’t see him for a day.

Believe everything their Daddy says.

Will tell you what makes them special.

Laugh. Even when it’s inappropriate.

See each day as a great adventure.

Are blind to status.

See through to the heart.

Talk about their fears.

Try new things.

Don’t take themselves too seriously.

Are entertained on a dime.

Find their identity in their family

Want to change the world.

Love till it hurts.

Know Jesus as their friend.

The world often overlooks them, but they are the ones Jesus stopped for. If He came to this town, He would seek them out. If He came to my home, He would let them crawl on His lap. They are His special friends. They recognize Him and are not afraid to drop everything and run to Him exactly as they are!

Father, thank you for the gift of children. Open our eyes to see the ones around us like You do and love them well. Help us learn from them and have child-like hearts as we grow in wisdom. Thank you for adopting us as Your children through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, who laid down his life for us. Thank You that no matter how old we are, we will always be children to You, and You will always be our Perfect Daddy. Thanks for making us new every morning. Give us child-like faith to receive the Kingdom of heaven today.

Reflection Questions

1) Which of these characteristics of children speak to you the most?

2) What can Jesus teach us about the way He interacted with little children? About Himself?  About us?  About the children around us?

Treasure Hunt

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” Matthew 18: 4-5 NIV

“When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.'” Mark 10:14 ESV

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” Matthew 18:10 NLT

“Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2

Faith in Action

Stop still for the children in your path this week.  Let them crawl in your lap and take the time to love on them. And ask God what it looks like for you to change and become like a little child.

Author: Katie Taylor

Tags: change like a child, faith like a child, Jesus loves the little children, Katie Taylor, Our City On A Hill