Luke 18
Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 4:20PM I am not a mother, but I am an aunt and have spent a good deal of time around children throughout my life to know that they have the ability to teach us important life lessons. On the subject of love, children between the ages of 5 and 10 said the following:
I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when Dinosaurs is on television. -- Jill, age 6
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too. -- Greg, age 8
One of you should know how to write a check, because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills. -- Ava, 8
Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind. Love isn't like picking what movie you want to watch. -- Natalie, age 9
Luke 18:15-17 we see Jesus’ compassion and love toward the children. Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all. We can find many ways in which we should be like children in Luke 18. In verses 1-8 Christ urges His disciples to never give up on prayer. If a child wants something, usually they are not afraid to ask or make it known what they want. Sometimes they will keep asking until they are acknowledged or answered like the woman in the parable.
I love that children are usually not easily embarrassed. They will tell you things you never would of thought someone would tell you, but in their humble age, it does not bother them for you to know. Children do not quite grasp the concept of selflessness yet, but I would still consider them humble in the fact that they are fully dependant on a parent or guardian and they like that. As adults we become mixed up in our money, jobs, and possessions. The rich young ruler in verses 18-30 was so dependant on his belongings that he simply could not leave it all behind to follow Christ. How hard is it for you and I to do such a thing? Have you thought what it might look like and how things could change if we all depended on the Lord and liked it in the same way kids look to their parents for food, love, clothes and protection?
When I think of the word authenticity the phrase “what you see is what you get” always comes to mind. Authenticity is also another key word I would use to describe children. Being concrete thinkers, they are able to ask the hard but important questions. I saw a quote the other day that said, “if you seek the truth, ask a child.” They have nothing to hide. With authenticity comes authentic faith in children. If they say they believe, they believe. We are called to have a child-like faith. What a perfect description. From my experience, when a child believes, they believe with all their being. The final story in chapter 18 describes a blind man, with as much faith, begging on the street. When he found out that Jesus was coming by, he knew that Jesus could heal him. Not caring what anyone thought of him, he began to yell at Jesus to gain His attention. Despite the rebukes and harsh remarks from all those around him, he kept yelling. He did not care if he did not deserve it or what Jesus thought, he had to try. What was Jesus' reaction? “Receive your sight, your faith has made you well”. I waste so much time and miss out on so many opportunities because I care about what people think of my actions and lack faith. I want to learn to be childlike in my faith.
I believe that all these characteristics can be wrapped up into one phrase: It’s a matter of the heart. As we have been studying this book with the ladies on Thursdays, I cannot help but notice this recurring theme. God alone can judge our actions, words, and thoughts, and He takes the heart into account, which man cannot do. Let’s try it out; be dependant on God, faithful in prayer, and authentic with each other.
--Kristi Smith, Summer Camp Manager
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Remember what should be remembered, and forget what should be forgotten.Alter what is changeable, and accept what is mutable。-Jaquet Droz replicas