Be Childlike not Childish

In 1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 11 it says, when I was a child I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child but when I became a man, I put away childish things…There is a big difference between childlike and childish.

As a child they speak innocently but not wisely because their knowledge is limited. As a child their thought pattern and understanding is also confined, because they are still in the learning stages of life. Being childish is acting out when things don’t go their way. Or being pouty and selfish when they want to keep and not give.

We too need to put away childish things in our adult life…We need to watch what we say and only speak words to edify and build up the other, words of wisdom. We need to have a greater understanding of how we are to live and how to handle things with God’s wisdom. We need to renew our minds and keep our thoughts pure and keep our eyes off worthless things as in Ps. 119:37

Now enough about childish and let’s talk about CHILDLIKE…

In Matthew chapter 18 verses 1-3 The disciples asked Jesus, ho then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 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 heaven.” What does that mean to become as little children? He certainly wasn’t talking about being childish. There are some very strong characteristics children have that we lose and no longer have as adults.

Trust: They have a natural trust in others and that is the foundation of all their other traits. Children are happy and fulfilled without a care in the world.

They don’t worry or fret over something.

They forgive easily and quickly, and they don’t hold grudges.

They have great faith in who they are and all they can be.

Children get excited easily and enjoy the moment

When they are disappointed about something, they shake it off easily and go on to enjoy another activity.

They are curious and ask lot’s of questions which opens doors for learning and breeds creativity and spurs their imagination.

But most of all they are humble…Jesus said in Matthew chapter 18 verse 4, “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

It is important for us as adults to take back our childlike passion for living and trust once again. Disappointments hurts, and pain from the past changes our whole outlook on others and ourselves. We may become bitter, resentful but we need to shake it off as a child and let it go.

If we are curious like a child, we can create new things

If we have faith as a child, we can step out on a diverging path and not have fear of failure.

They are amazed by something new every moment and they stare in wonder at small things around them. When was the last time you looked at the beauty around you and basked in the wonder of God’s creation?

They are very happy and even though they can have tears streaming down their face one minute, they can be laughing the next.

As adults we too need to let things go and live, don’t let things of the past and disappointments marinate in our minds.

Children are very persistent and don’t give up till they have their way. It is also important for us to be persistent and not give up and believe in our God given dreams. Let’s meditate on these thoughts and do our best to be childlike again and enjoy life. God wants us to be free as children and put our total trust in Him and believe for the impossible. We can be youthful and free in our hearts, spirits and minds as we put our faith in God to do great and mighty things in us, for us and through us, touching others around us. Hallelujah! Love & blessings Lollita Faith

*Note: Scriptures are taken from NKJV