Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew was deeply impressed by Jesus’ attitude toward children. He had been a tax collector, which is an “adult” job if ever there was one, and he heard the man he was convinced was the Son of God saying things that seemed to elevate children above all the “important” adults. We would do well to pay attention! Children can be demanding, but they don’t seem to be consumed with self-importance. There’s a reason we speak of innocence and simplicity as “childlike.” It’s also important to note that Jesus trained His disciples through what they encountered each day. This statement about heaven belonging to those who are childlike wasn’t part of a sermon or a teaching series, it was a comment on something that happened that the disciples were part of. To a degree, it was a rebuke of their trying to “protect” Jesus from the “interruption” of dealing with children. Jesus continues to teach all who would be His disciples, in countless ways. Sometimes it is through formal settings where we expect to be taught, but often the bigger, deeper lessons come simply along the way, in things we experience just getting through life. We need to be paying attention, so we’ll learn quickly and not have to keep repeating painful lessons!

I have commented many times that I had been in the place of God, I would have given up on me long ago. Some lessons have had to be repeated so many times that I’ve lost count! I need to consider what makes a child “childlike,” and consciously cultivate that in myself. I want to have an expectant faith that stems from complete trust in my Daddy, who always knows what is right and best. As a father myself, I know that merely human fathers are far from perfect, and I need to be willing to hear and learn from my own children, both biological and spiritual. I’ve experienced some of that recently! I am a pastor, and as such, have many spiritual children. Some of them bring joy, some of them bring exasperation, and some bring sorrow. I am not to reject or write off any of them, but extend to them the grace, mercy, and love that have been poured out on me. That said, I am never to stop speaking God’s truth to them, whether they want to receive it or not. A child does not cease being a child just because they are rebellious! I am to focus on my own faithful obedience to our heavenly Father, and point everyone to Him as He gives me opportunity.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for this training season You’re bringing me through. Thank You that all of life is a training camp! Help me learn Your lessons and pass them on as You desire, so that You will have more and more children who delight You, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Praise God!