“Calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'”
Matthew 18:2-4 ESV
“Today I heard someone say that being anxious all the time is just part of being grown up,” my outraged friend exclaimed. “But God tells us not to worry. He says it comfortingly, not rebukingly, the way you would tell a four-year-old whose favorite toy just broke: ‘Don’t worry; I’m here.’”
I flashed back to Matthew 18:2-4. Children are humble because they are genuine: many do not need to prove themselves by becoming someone or something different—they expect you to accept them the way they are. A loved, accepted child basks in that security without fear. How does that translate to adulthood? Be like a child (the Greek word is used of babies, toddlers, and slightly older children). Children are vociferously expressive; many leave you with no question as to their opinion (although when he is screaming from his seat in the shopping cart in the middle of the grocery store, you may wish he was slightly less expressive!). Children are wholehearted, wailing in grief over something they may completely forget five minutes later. Children are trusting, because the world, although filled with terrifying dark closets and shadows under beds, also holds infinite possibility for miracles.
Don’t worry; I’m here. Be like a four-year-old, accepting condolence when the entire world seems broken. The toy may not be fixable; the world may not be glued back together. But don’t worry; I’m here. And so the world, although filled with terrifying nightmares that sometimes come true, also holds infinite possibility for miracles, because our Abba Father holds us and whispers, Don’t worry, I’m here.
But the final part of Jesus’ quote in this story is what really captures my attention (verse five): “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes Me.”
They are vociferous, they are wholehearted, they are trusting. Children have unique abilities that help them accept God’s free gift of salvation without doubt. They don’t get hung up on the seemingly-unreleasable details that derail adults. But more than that, children occupy a precious place in God’s heart. When you teach a child in Good News Club, compliment her drawing, or listen to his story, you are doing it for the sake of Jesus Christ.
