Last week I served in Vacation Bible School at Vallecito Church. I feel blessed for two reasons; strengthening my new friendships with many of the ladies and men I served with and watching and helping the children. They displayed God’s love in so many ways. They grew in their memory verse and the daily lessons provided them with an encounter with God and Jesus.
I allowed myself to look at each day’s craft project through their eye’s. Simple projects associated with the daily lesson became another link in who they believe God and Jesus are. In the first and second grades group, I asked a boy what he learned about Jesus in their Bible study. “I learned He is the Son of God.” He stated without hesitation. “That’s wonderful news, isn’t it?” I commented. “Yes, it is.” He said rather matter of factually. His smile and the look in his eyes told me he accepted this new truth with amazement. Understanding with acceptance a truth he will build on for the rest of his life. The girl sitting across the table from us added, “It’s true, it’s in the Bible.”
This morning I asked the Holy Spirit to show me what I need to learn. I let my Bible fall open and started reading Matthew 18.
Jesus said, “This is the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
Later in the morning at church, the pastor’s message is about the value of a child based on Luke 18:15-16. The scripture states that parents brought their little children to be blessed by Jesus. But the disciples rebuked them for doing so. Then Jesus said:
I am particularly fond of verse 16 in The Passion Translation because it speaks to my heart. The last sentence states: They demonstrate to you what faith is all about.
Yes, they do. I witnessed this serving in VBS. I am so grateful God gave me the opportunity to see this for myself this past week.
The pastor gave us four childlike qualities to examine and incorporate into our lives. Trust—Humility—Responsiveness—Love.
Trust develops from dependence like a child trusts his parents to provide, guard and care for them. Humility a combination of obedience, acceptance, and servitude. Young children want to serve you, the accept you and God, and they learn obedience from their desire to please their parents. Responsiveness is being in the moment reacting to whatever is happening with their complete attention. Love a child and they will return love one-hundred times. They love you because you love them. No questions asked.
When Jesus said to receive the kingdom as a child these are the qualities He is talking about. Are you an adult trying to make sense of it all or a child who responds with faith-based childlike qualities? Have you checked in with your inner-child lately?
I remember a little girl who would climb into the top of the old cottonwood tree in our backyard to have conversations with God. I always started with “God, are you there?” I never waited for an answer; I would just start talking. I knew He was there, He loved me, He protected me, and He comforted me.
Sometimes I wish I was that little girl again.
- Which of the child-like qualities is the easiest for you?
- Which one do you need to work on?
- Spend time with little children and discover what you can learn from them and how that understanding will impact your faith.
