Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-3 NKJV
Do you remember what it was like to be a little child? As I experience the world through the innocent eyes of my granddaughter, I am renewed and refreshed. I am also reminded of this verse from Matthew, in which Jesus tells us we are to become as little children. One of the characteristics of little children is they love to explore. My granddaughter gets excited when it rains, because there will be puddles to jump and splash in. On a bike ride around the neighborhood, she spots a pig statue and stops to pet it. I have been gifted dozens of yellow flowers from the weeds in the grass, the latest she insisted I plant in the garden. During praise and worship in church, she did not hesitate to jump up and dance.
No matter what she does, she always hears or sees something I’ve totally missed. Her eyes and ears are in tune with everything about God’s glorious creation around her. She marvels at a squirrel every time she sees one, or a plane in the sky, and the tiny ants on the ground. Her excitement is unfiltered as she squeals with delight at every new discovery and jumps up and down unabashed at herself.
To be like a child is to explore and feel wonder and awe with every new experience. It is to wake up every morning excited for another day to prospect the treasures The Lord laid out before you. It is to love life.
When we are forgiven and saved by Jesus Christ, we are a new creation. He desires we marvel at this. He instructs us to become like the child who finds pure delight in jumping up and down in a puddle of water. He wants us to be aware of the beauty He has placed all around us. He expects us to trust Him, as a child trusts in us.
He tells us we must become like the little child. So go. Explore. Study Jesus and His word. Trust Him with your life. Uncover the depth of His love. He will reveal the treasures He has for you. When you feel the joy of the Lord, dance!
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Janice S.