In what ways can we cultivate childlike trust in our relationship with God? The Call to Childlikeness “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) What Childlike Trust Looks Like • Complete dependence on the Father’s care (Psalm 23:1) • Unquestioning acceptance of His words (Psalm 119:160) • Joyful anticipation of His goodness (James 1:17) • Quick responsiveness to His voice (John 10:27) Steps to Cultivate Childlike Trust • Embrace Dependence – Recognize every breath, resource, and ability as a gift (Acts 17:25). – Begin each day confessing, “Apart from You I can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Choose Humility – Voluntarily take the lower place, just as Christ did (Philippians 2:5–8). – Celebrate others’ successes, trusting God to lift you up in His time (1 Peter 5:6). • Receive the Father’s Love Daily – Meditate on His adoptive love: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us” (1 John 3:1). – Address Him as “Abba,” the intimate term Jesus used (Romans 8:15). • Practice Immediate Obedience – Obey without delay, as children who trust their parents’ wisdom (Luke 5:5–6). – View every command as an expression of His perfect care (Deuteronomy 10:13). • Maintain a Sense of Wonder – Pause to notice His handiwork in creation (Psalm 19:1). – Give thanks for small mercies: a sunrise, a kind word, daily bread (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Pray with Simplicity – Speak plainly, believing He already knows your needs (Matthew 6:7–8). – Bring joys and hurts to Him the moment they surface (Philippians 4:6). • Keep Short Accounts – Confess sin quickly, trusting His readiness to forgive (1 John 1:9). – Forgive others as freely as He forgives you (Ephesians 4:32). • Abide in His Word – Read Scripture expectantly, knowing “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). – Memorize promises that reinforce His faithfulness (Psalm 56:3–4). The Fruit of Childlike Trust • Unshakable peace amid uncertainty (Isaiah 26:3) • Freedom from crippling anxiety (1 Peter 5:7) • Boldness in prayer (Hebrews 4:16) • Joy that overflows to others (John 15:11) Living It Out Return to Matthew 18:3 often. Let the Spirit remind you that the kingdom is entered—and enjoyed—through a trusting, humble, childlike heart. |
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