Childlike Faith

August 11

(Luke 18:17 NIV) “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

(Luke 10:21 NIV) “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”

What does it mean to receive and enter the kingdom of God as a child? In context, it means to come before God without pride, power, or possessions. The Pharisee and the rich young ruler had all three in abundance, and it kept them from receiving and entering the Kingdom. Children have little pride. They look down on no one. Everyone is higher and bigger. Children have very few possessions. Everything they have is owned and controlled by someone else. Children have little power. They rely on others for permission, transportation, food, shelter, and money. They don't control others, or give orders. The Pharisee and the rich young ruler had crossed a line somewhere. They had lost their childlike nature in relationship to God, and their pride, power, and possessions prevented them from receiving and entering the Kingdom. Don’t go there! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day