Becoming Childlike

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘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. ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes! ‘If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:1-9

Childlike and childish are two different ways of being. One is quick to love, the other is quick to temper tantrums. We live in a time when grown folks, ones in leadership positions, act childish, selfish, call names and stomp away mad. That was not what Jesus was suggesting. As someone who has raised children and taught children, their curiosity, humility and compassion has always delighted and encouraged me. When we were getting married, oh so many years ago, the children in the daycare I worked, made us a sign. "Don't be Scared!", it said. Facing our fears, living humbly and acting always with compassion is how Jesus defines our life of faith - childlike.

Gracious Creator, you call us all your children

caring for us in our good time and our bad times

cheering us on as we live with compassion and love.

We have forgotten how to be truly childlike

instead we lash out and call others mean names

not seeing the hurt and rejection they already carry.

Oh Lord, make us childlike and compassionate today

fill us with curiosity and wonder, take away all judgement

so we can truly be your children here on your earth. Amen.