| Matthew 18:1-3 – At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” |
A retired couple in our church recently had a grandparent weekend with their three-year-old granddaughter. At the beginning of service, the couple were not in their usual pew, but instead, they’d decided to sit in the back row just in case their fiery red-headed granddaughter became squirmy or disruptive.
Not a peep was heard until communion. Her arms clasped around her grandpa’s neck and her shoeless feet resting on his sides, when suddenly she yelled, “Let me down! I wanna go up there!” After whispering something carefully in her ear, grandpa gently put her down at his side, his hand clasping hers. Satisfied, she quietly waited their turn to receive the elements.
The rest of that Lord’s Day I couldn’t help but think about the girl’s eagerness to want to go forward and participate in what she possibly sensed was a special time.
I had to wonder, was I as eager about my relationship with the Lord as that little girl was about going forward in church that day? Do I secretly wish I could hit the snooze button a few more times, when in reality, what I need isn’t more sleep but more time with the Lord that morning? Am I shy about praying with someone who needs prayer, or do I heartily obey the spirit and bring them before the Lord at their time of need? Am I eagerly serving my neighbor as if I’m serving the Lord? Does my financial giving excite me as I think about how the Lord will use my tithe to serve and increase his kingdom on earth and thus in heaven?
I want to learn to grow more in childlike faith in serving the Lord. I want to excitedly come before his holy presence with a humble childlike faith and trust him in all things, whether I’m well-shod or barefoot. Jesus looks inside at our heart’s intent. That’s what counts.
- Tonya Warren
