“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea,” Matthew 18:2-6.
Contented: Young children are seldom concerned with prestige, demanding “brand name” clothing, etc. A child may be more interested in the box that contained a valuable gift than the gift itself. They are content until they are taught to be otherwise. Paul wrote: “...Godliness with contentment is great gain,” 1 Timothy 6:6.
Humble: This is the quality Jesus specified in verse 4. Jesus’ disciples must have a balanced view of self, not becoming arrogant or self-centered – like a “little child.” True greatness is found in those willing to serve, 1 Peter 5:5, John 13:3-10. The attainment of humility is a life long challenge, but we must be willing to serve.
Innocent: Surely Jesus did not forget the doctrine of “depravity of children.” (No, He never knew it. It is a doctrine devised by man, not God.) “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father…the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him,” Ezekiel 18:20. Matthew 19:14: “Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Children are not born depraved.
Loving: You seldom find a little child who is not eager to love and be loved. Embarrassed? Not a bit. “I love you” comes easily from the lips of a child, and when adults regain that attitude they are blessed and a blessing. Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters – and all who love Christ need to build this characteristic.
Dependent: It fades away soon enough, but a little child is dependent and is content with it. They like the fact that “Daddy” will protect them, pleased that someone will teach them, that they are dependent on Mom and others. “O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me,” Psalms 25:2.
Ready to forgive: We see children play, argue, fight, then go right back to playing, and we know how easily they can forget their disagreements. This willingness to forgive is desperately needed by adults: “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him,” Luke 17:3-4.
Eager to learn: Jesus honors those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness,” Matthew 5:6. How much like a child are you in this eagerness to learn of God, of Christ and His way of life? This one quality will be the one that generates in you the qualities of a true disciple. Is this truly important to you? It should be!
Natural: Those costumes worn by children are just for play. They seldom care if their hair is combed or their body is clean. They are just themselves – no pretense, no putting on “airs.” It is easy for us to become more concerned about style, color and appearance than we do about being like Jesus in words and deeds. Hypocrisy is seldom seen in children, but it is a daily fight for many adults. Why not think like a child again!
These thoughts, motivated by Jesus’ words that we must become “as a little child…” do not encourage adults to be childish, but to be “child-like,” having those appealing traits that are so loved and desirable in a child.
Note that verse three states, “…Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” How wonderful it will be to “enter into the kingdom of heaven,” and how tragic to miss that eternal blessing because of an attitude that fails to please God. Think on these things, and consider taking upon yourself these beautiful characteristics. You will bless yourself and those who know you.
