"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:3-4.
The priority is not immaturity, but teachability. It is no coincidence that an account of an unteachable rich young man is recorded in the next chapter (Matthew 19:16-22). When we fail to be responsive and teachable, we become unfit for the kingdom of God.
The danger of adulthood is that it potentially robs us of the uncomplicated, simplistic, and pure childlike qualities essential to the kingdom of God. Age and experience easily instill cynicism, distrust, and rigidity - traits in opposition to necessary kingdom qualities.
A picture illustration that comes to mind is that of children sitting on the floor and listening to someone teach or read a story. Humility and a willingness to listen and learn are evident. Sitting at the feet of Jesus in humility, simplicity, and teachability, is essential. In a very practical way, we do so by reading the gospels with such a mindset and attitude. By carefully filtering out preconceived notions and traditions, we gain fresh insights for living as we sit at His feet in this way.
It may sound contradictory and ironic, but the application of Jesus’ words are that we should grow up and become like a child. May He find us humble, teachable, and reachable today - and always.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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