In what ways can we model childlike faith in our communities? Setting the Scene Matthew 18 opens with the disciples asking, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus responds by calling a child to Himself and says: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) Why Childlike? Children naturally model qualities that keep them close to God’s heart: - Humility: They know their limits and depend on others. - Trust: They believe what they are told by those they love. - Wonder: They delight in simple gifts. - Teachability: They are eager to learn and quick to imitate. Key Traits to Imitate 1. Humility • Philippians 2:3–4 — “in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6 — “clothe yourselves with humility… so that He may exalt you.” 2. Dependence on the Father • John 15:5 — “apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” 3. Trusting Obedience • Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 4. Joyful Wonder • Psalm 8:3–4 — David’s childlike awe at creation. • Romans 11:33 — “Oh, the depth of the riches… of God!” Practical Steps for Our Communities - Choose the low place: volunteer for unnoticed tasks; let others go first. - Ask for and receive help: let people see humble dependence, not self-sufficiency. - Speak with simple honesty: avoid inflated language; say yes or no plainly (Matthew 5:37). - Celebrate grace stories: share testimonies of God’s provision the way children share good news. - Keep wonder alive: schedule creation walks, sing truth-filled songs, point out answered prayer. - Prioritize teachability: create small-group settings where anyone can ask, learn, and practice Scripture. - Foster immediate obedience: when God’s Word directs something clear—do it promptly. - Model forgiveness quickly: children drop offenses fast; practice Matthew 18:15–17 with speed and gentleness. Living It Out Together Family: Pray and read Scripture at the table, letting children ask questions first. Church: Highlight servant roles publicly; rotate them so all experience humble tasks. Workplace: Give credit away, admitting dependence on co-workers’ strengths. Neighborhood: Offer simple acts—sharing tools, meals, time—without expecting return. Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture - Mark 10:15 — “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” - Luke 18:17 — parallel call to childlike reception. - Psalm 131:1–2 — a “weaned child” resting in the Lord. Closing Thoughts Greatness in God’s kingdom grows downward, not upward. As we humble ourselves like little children—trusting, dependent, eager to obey—our communities glimpse the kingdom Jesus says is already among us. |
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