Like a Child

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:3-5

This week I am praying that God begins to shape me so that I become like a child. What exactly does this mean? Well, I have an example of it sleeping in the room next to mine! God should be to me what I am to David (and more!). Let me think of and list a few characteristics of David that teach me how I can be more child-like in my faith:

~ trusting that God will take care of me no matter what because He is trustworthy
(David: "Mommy and daddy always come back.")

~ loving God with all my heart because He first loved me
(David: "I love you, mommy.")

~ depending on God for everything because he is dependable
(David: "I can't do it! I need help.")

~ devoted to God despite what I view as disappointments because He is devoted to me
(David: finding me for a hug even when he is upset that I made him clean up his toys)

~ desiring to be close to God all of the time because He desires to be close to me
(David: crying out for me in the middle of the night and not wanting me to leave)

~ desiring to be 'just like' my heavenly father because His character never changes
(David: trying to fix his toy cars and motorcycles 'just like daddy;' pretending to read his own devotional 'just like mommy')

~ joyful when I am close to Him because He fills me with that joy
(David: "I'm so happy to be home with you mommy.")

~ seeking God when I am hurt or angry because He is my comforter
(David: running to me when he gets a bump or cut)

Not only do we need to become like children, but we are also called to be humble like a child. I'll be honest, it is sometimes hard for me to think of children as being humble since most are actually quite self-centered:). However, when I think of this from my point of view versus that of a child, it is a little easier. Could a child survive without a caregiver? No.

Humility is recognizing that we need God for our survival and that we can do nothing without Him.