Unless we
are little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3). Not
a child in age, size or maturity; but a child at heart - innocent and captivating.
When I
took my first baby on his inaugural stroll in the park, I realized that he had
no recognition of what his little blue eyes gazed upon.
A tree,
leaf, bird, flower, clouds, ants, beetles were unremarkable to him. He had no
reference point, no knowledge to draw from, in order to categorize what he saw.
With a
clean slate for a mind, a pure heart and total trust in my care, he gurgled
with his head bobbing from side-to-side to take in all the sights and sounds.
Unspoiled
by the negative influences, harmful people and ungodly choices in life, he
relied on me to meet all of His needs (1 Corinthians 14:20). I wanted to
protect him from harm and hurt and to bring him joy all the days of his life.
As human parents
we are either aggressive, permissive, nurturing or a combo of these parenting styles.
God calls us to love in a nurturing manner with unconditional love, just as He
fathers us (Luke 11:13; 1 John 3:16).
Our Father
God calls us to come to Him as children with innocent trust in His faithfulness
(Matthew 19:14). Those who are converted, humble and childlike will have the
greatest position in God's eternal Kingdom in Heaven (Matthew 18:3-4).
Prayer:
Father
God, as Your children, our angels are always presenting our needs to You
(Matthew 18:10). You protect us as the apple of Your eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).
You are our Father when our natural fathers abandon us, and you set us in
families when we are lonely (Psalm 68:5-6).
You know
what we need even before we ask for it (Matthew 6:8). We have constant and
continual access to You and help from You through Christ by Your Spirit (Ephesians
2:18). Thank You for lavishing Your love on Your children (1 John 3:1).
Thought
for the Day:
In times
of trial and adversity, we calm and quiet our soul like a contented, weaned
child within us. - Psalm 131:2
