Grow Up, And Be Like a Child

"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:3.

Entering the kingdom of God is the utmost priority. Jesus implores us to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33), while trusting that life’s needs will be met as we make this our primary pursuit. But, exactly how do we enter the kingdom? According to Jesus, it is based on a maturity antitype: child-likeness. Having stated this, Jesus does not go on to tell us what child-like qualities are essential; we are left to figure this out ourselves.

We’ve likely all seen very undesirable child-like qualities such as tantrums and selfishness. These cannot possibly be what Jesus had in mind, but there are at least two qualities that seem necessary: uncomplicated trust, and teachability.  

Young children generally accept what is said at face value. The harsh reality of life experience later teaches skepticism concerning hidden motive, which provides necessary discernment in human dealings. But, this child-like trust concerning the things of God is essential, and is epitomized in the man of faith, Abraham, who, “believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” Genesis 15:6.

A young child is teachable. In their formative years, a child is easily influenced by both example and word. They both imitate and mimic what they see and hear; they are eager to learn.

Among the necessary qualities of an elder is that of being “able to teach” 1 Timothy 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24. In the original language, the intent is that he is able to teach, but also able to be taught. He is both a lifelong teacher as well as a lifelong learner. This is a necessary quality for all who desire to enter the kingdom of God. When we cease to grow in truth, we cease to pursue the kingdom.

Jesus clearly states an essential child-like quality in Matthew 18:4. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We see this quality exemplified in Moses: ”Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth" Numbers 12:3.

The way of the kingdom is simple acceptance of God’s truth, an unwavering desire to grow and learn, and a humility that guides both. Confusing as it might sound, the priority is to grow up and be like a child.

©Steve Taylor, 2024 --Used by permission

Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.

Foster Delight

"his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers” Psalm 1:2-3.

It is insightful to ask, “what is on your mind?” Each of us are preoccupied with something, because our minds are ever active. Our primary mental preoccupation says much about who and what we are at the moment.

To delight in the law of God is to be preoccupied with our Creator, and all that is pleasing to Him. The pathway to true success in life is to ever mediate on our Father and His ways. According to the Psalmist, we will be well grounded, nourished, fruitful, and prosperous.

A key word here is the word, “delight.” We easily associate romance with delight. Especially when love is new, there is scarcely a moment when we do not think of the one we love. And so, the one who is grounded, nourished, fruitful, and prosperous is the one who delights in the law of the LORD. That law, incidentally, is not just the law found in the first five books of the Old Testament, but rather the general teachings and ways of our Father.

The challenging question is: do I delight as much in the ways and will of my Father as my greatest love in this world? Some honest introspection will likely yield a less-than-ideal response. We could love and delight more.

Let me be clear: I am far from the ideal of delighting in my Father and His teachings. But, it is healthy for there to be some concern and displeasure at a lack of full delight at what has been called “the sacred romance.” Compared to marriage, it is the couple that is concerned about their relationship that has hope of healing.

How do we foster delight in our Father and His ways? I cannot offer a simple answer, nor is there one. Fundamentally this is true: if we long to delight in Him, we are well on our way to doing so. It is the cold, indifferent individual who has much to be concerned about.

David serves us well as an example, this man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His words will resonate with all who seek to delight in Him: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me” Psalm 51:10

©Steve Taylor, 2024 --Used by permission

Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/

Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW