Childlike but not childish
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” (Matthew 11:25–26, NIV)
Jesus was always trying to remind His followers that those who think they "know" likely do not and conversely those who think they do not "know" are the most likely to receive revelation. It was the reason He often taught in Parables (see Mark 4: 10 ff). The message of the Gospel that changes human beings' hearts and lives is simple to grasp and understand. It starts a chain reaction of changes that start on the inside and work their way out.
But why would Jesus pray the Father and proclaim that "these things" are hidden from the wise, sophisticated, and scholarly of the world and instead revealed to "children"? I think these seven things about children remain indelible and unchangeable (yes even in the age of the SMART Phone as a babysitter).
1. Young Children are honest. They have not yet learned from us to hide their thoughts and feelings from the adult world around them. If you listen they will tell you.
2. Young Children are unpretentious. Again they have a self assessment that does not need to put on airs or seek unearned recognition. They are just happy to be themselves.
3. Young Children are innocent. Not that they are free from original sin for we are all born into that state. But that childlike innocence provides them a camouflage that insures their survival! 4. Young Children are optimistic, to a fault. They approach the world with a wide eyed optimism that brings hope and security to their situation. That is of course until they learn how to doubt, worry and fear from the adult world around them.
5. Young Children are genuine. Their love is unfeigned and unfettered. They can give love and receive it with abandon and true passion.
6. Young Children are teachable. They are a sponge that is soaking up constantly from the experiences of the world around them. Constantly learning and growing daily they embrace new truth as it comes to them.
7. Young Children focus on the concrete rather than the abstract. They are not guilty of overthinking. They take life at its face value.
With this in mind, is it any wonder that Jesus prayed to the Father proclaiming the wonder of "children" and their attributes? Because all of us must become and REMAIN LIKE little children to be Kingdom people. “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NIV)
And again this is "Just a thought!"
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