Matt 18:3 says " Truly I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of God"
Jesus said this to his disciples when they asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom. He went on to tell them that they needed to become 'humble' like a little child. I'm sure they must have been shocked at this saying from Jesus. But why did he say that? Well, let's look at the child. He or she is innocent; has no preconceived ideas about people and the world; they are open and accepting. They depend on their parents for food, warmth, safety, love and protection. There is no malice or evil intention whatsoever in a child's mind. It is pure and wholesome.
Unfortunately things change. Children grow up and become callous and cynical adults. At what point in our development did the metamorphosis take place? Is it a 'learned behavior' or is it the 'natural progression' into adulthood?' Trace back to when your fleshly heart became a heart made of stone. Was it in your early years at school or was it when you were in college? Was it the time when you were deceived by a close friend or when someone you trusted violated you? We are a product of out society. We are influenced by what is going on around us and what is done to us.
Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again before he could enter into the Kingdom in the Gospel of John 3:3. Needless to say, this baffled Nicodemus. It sounded ridiculous. How can a man return to his mother's womb and be born a second time? But what Jesus was really saying was this....'look, you cannot see the Kingdom of God in the condition you are in presently. You have become corrupted by the world. You have to come back to that state when you were a little child and you mind was not cluttered by worldly things. Start from scratch and begin to learn all about me. Let me pour my life into you and show you who you really are.'
It all begins with a submitting your will to the Father for starters and acknowledging that we have messed up and need him. Then a re-newing of your mind daily and putting him first in everything. This requires humility because you are giving up control and that is no easy task. It entails a faith walk knowing that 'he is the author and finisher of your faith.' It all comes back to that child-like faith that Jesus spoke about to his disciples. As we hand over the reigns to our Lord he takes us on this journey that requires that we take 'baby steps' all over again. That is part of the process of the re-newing of the mind and allowing his word to change us into what he wants for our lives.
Proverb 20:24 says, "Man's goings are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?" God has a plan for our lives and he has a way of getting us on the right track. We make plans for our lives and God just laughs. Isn't it better to be in God's will than out of his will? We know the plans he has for us are perfect.
In conclusion: Proverb 4: 1-4 says, "Hear you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandment and live."
Run back to the Father and find safety, love, food, warmth and protection. Humble yourself in his presence and he will lift you up in his arms.
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