AS A LITTLE CHILD

 LUKE 18:15-17  NKJ 
15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 

Jesus was good to people.  When they would bring their little ones to Him, He would not turn them away.  The disciples thought Jesus was too important to bother with little children.  But again, Jesus turned the tables on his disciples' thinking.   

Jesus said little children were a picture of how we are to receive the kingdom of God.   

As a rule, little children exhibit three things in a greater measure than adults.  They are happier.  They are more trusting, and they show more humility.  Little ones laugh a lot.  They can find joy in the simplest things.   

Little ones are trusting.  You tell them, and they believe. They are quick to believe.  Maybe that's why they don't worry near as much as adults.   

Little children are humble.  They don't start classifying and categorizing people until much later.  They are accepting because they are not consumed with how they "stack up" against others.   

Jesus thought child-like qualities are important for those of us who are God's little children.   

APPLICATION 

How happy?   How trusting?  And how much humility do we exhibit?  When it comes to God's kingdom, we have legitimate reasons to increase in all three areas.   

We are happy knowing we are loved, and our eternity looks good. We are trusting our good Father and His word that resonates in our hearts.   And we are humble, realizing that we are not above or beneath anyone else.  We know that all of us are part of God's gracious, blessed family.   

So, we need to put our "little kid pants on" and receive all God's kingdom offers.    

PRAYER 

Dear Father, help me understand and receive Your Kingdom as a little child would.  After all, I am your little one.