C A R L B. G A R N E R
A SECOND CHILDHOOD
I recently heard a lady say, “The only difference between a man and a little boy is the size and cost of their toys.” I think she was making fun of tractors, boats, golf clubs and men in general, but it is wonderful to come to the realization that modern women do not have any flaws. It is also said that “there is a little boy in every man just crying to get out.” Whatever you think about these comments, there is an interesting thought here: Growing up in mind and body does not assure one of being mature.
I want to add one more thing for you to consider: It is not always good for us to forget what it was like to be a child. Those years, in which our personality, values, and character were formed, should not be forgotten. There are qualities in children that are desirable in grown-up men and women. Adults can become so carried away with their business or their profession that they forget what it is like to wonder, to enjoy, to dream and hope. Time becomes so valuable that we are too busy to enjoy our children or glory in the beauties of our world. If this describes you, please consider what Jesus said in Mark 10:14, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Notice, “of such is the kingdom of God.” In Matthew 18:1-6, Jesus says four things about little children that we should heed:
- We must not cause “one of these little ones” to stumble, to sin.
- If we “receive,” or provide hospitality or friendship to a child, we also provide such to Jesus Christ.
- A person who humbles himself as a little child is regarded as “greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
- Not until we “become as little children” will we be able to “enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is not an encouragement to childishness or immaturity, but to keeping some qualities of childhood. The following are a sample of those qualities:
DEPENDENT
Children are dependent upon their parents for almost everything. They are not embarassed that this is true. Should we not recognize that we are also dependent upon God for the very sustenance of life? When we do so, we are more likely to express our gratitude for those blessings, and to so live that our gratitude is obvious to all. See Philippians 4:13.
FORGIVING
To watch children at play is to learn how to give and take. They can exhibit the qualities of fairness and self-defense in the same moment, all the while being ready to forgive and go on about their playing. It takes an adult to hold a grudge, to prolong anger toward another for an extended period of time. When will we learn to be like little children?
GENEROUS
Some children have not yet learned the art of selfishness that can be so characteristic of adults. “I have more than you do,” and similar competition are more characteristic of adult behavior than that of little children. Ask a child for a bite of their ice cream and they are likely to hand over the whole thing; that is unless we adults have taught them to watch out for #1 all the time. Read Luke 6:38 and Psalm 41:1.
NOT MATERIALISTIC
Again, not until we teach them that things are the key to happiness will they begin to think that way. The simplest of toys, often even the box in which some larger item comes, may be of more interest to little children than the toys we heap upon them at every turn. Seldom does a little child demand “designer clothes” for his/her wardrobe. They do not usually look with disdain upon those with less money, power, prestige or education. Those are the things adults teach them, and it is a dirty shame that we do so. See James 2:1-9 and 1 John 2:15-17.
INNOCENT
Contrary to man-made doctines of “original sin” or “total depravity,” children are free from sin and innocent in every way. What parent has not stood looking down at their sleeping child, marveling at the innocence therein? Jesus said “except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 18:3. Does that sound as if little children are tainted with Adam’s or anyone else’s sin? Sin is transgression of God’s law, 1 John 3:4. What sin has been committed by an infant? It is not the sin of Adam or your ancestors that separates you from God, but it is “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear,” Isaiah 59:2. We could grow in this trait if we really wanted to.
EAGER TO LEARN
There is no creature so dedicated to learning as a little child. Their questions often overwhelm us, and their thirst to know “why” reminds us of our own ignorance. Educators have long asked the question, “what did we do to remove the child’s inate desire to learn?” Parents, please do not ignore the plea for knowledge that exists in your children. Please see to it that their thirst for learning is satisfied, especially about God and His Creation, His Word and His promises. It may be time-consuming and take effort, but it will be worth it.
Grow up? Yes, but don’t forget that some qualities of children are needed in every one of us.
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