The children’s Sunday School teacher was telling her youngsters about the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In particular she wanted to emphasize the difference in attitude of the older and younger brothers. As you know, the younger son had returned after squandering a lot of the family money on foolish living, and the father was delighted for him to humbly come home. He called for a robe to be put on his son, a ring on his finger; then we’ll kill the fatted calf and have a great feast! My son who was lost has been found!
The wide-eyed Sunday School children kept listening as the teacher explained how angry this made the older son, who felt unappreciated and cheated.
Then the teacher asked, “Now boys and girls, who do you think was unhappy about this big banquet getting ready to take place?”
Eight-year old Olivia raised her hand and said, “I know! The fatted calf!”
Good point, Olivia! Children have a unique and simple way of looking at things. Maybe that is why Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
There is of course a difference between child-like and child-ish. Jesus promoted child-like. Paul warned against child-ish by saying, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. (1st Corinthians 13:11) This was stated after he had expounded on the nature of love in this, the Love Chapter of the Bible. A lifestyle of self-giving, unconditional love takes a very mature person, who must decide to be persistently sacrificial and forgiving.
Child-like … good … Child-ish … not so good.
The child-like attitude that Jesus was describing, when he said that we must receive the kingdom like a child, is that of trust. Small children are instilled with the idea that their parents can do anything. (That would assume those parents haven’t harmed the child and destroyed their trust.) A child cared for with love and compassion typically thinks mom can see anything, as if she had “eyes in the back of her head,” and that dad is strong enough to perform the greatest feat.
That is how we receive the kingdom, by believing that God is capable of all things, and by desiring and receiving his love and protection. Furthermore, a child-like attitude is what allows us to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom of God, to laugh, to play, to sing and dance, and to celebrate without restraint. It is this child-like approach that enables us to worship without being inhibited.
It is my prayer that you keep your child-like spirit, or if it has died away to any degree, that you claim it back. Find occasions to enjoy the moment like a child, laughing, playing, singing and dancing, and letting go of the unhealthy adult habits that keep you stifled and steal your joy!
Have a blessed weekend,
Chaplain Mark
Thanks, Bob. I have my share of health issues. The further we go, the trust of God’s watch care has to be there.
Thank you, Lowe Wilkins
Mark … I so very much needed to read your devotional this morning. We too often, at our age, become caught up in our and our loved ones bodily afflictions. To just trust our Father as a little child because He IS able does indeed give relief and joy.
Thank you Mark