Insights from a Passionate Christ Follower

As I have become older, I find myself slowing down some and taking the time to look around me and enjoy the beauty of creation and especially the joy of little children.  As a younger man I felt such pressure to accomplish and conquer… the pressure of deadlines was a motivator and time seemed to be pushing me.  My focus was mostly on my work, my projects, my responsibilities, my fears, the proving of myself… so much so, that I rarely found the time to enjoy what was happening around me.  I did somehow learn to enjoy gardening and that was a great help to relieve some of my stress and tension.  I also learned to plan my vacations and leisure time in beautiful scenic places so that I could allow the beauty of creation to calm and heal my stressed-out soul.  And eventually I started realizing that relationships with others around me were becoming more important to me than the projects and accomplishments that used to consume me.  But it wasn’t till I was a grandpa that I started really seeing and enjoying all the little children.  They are everywhere!  I seem to notice them now… everyplace I go.  Whats more, I take great pleasure in stopping for a moment to watch and enjoy each little child!

In Matt. 18:1-4 the disciples are focusing on who is the best among them and how to become important – great in the kingdom of God.  It occurs just after a father brings them his child with demons and they can not cast the demon out (see the parallel stories in Mark 9 and Luke 9).  It is normal to have some self-evaluation after failing at a task and it is a good thing to want to improve yourself… certainly it is honorable to work on becoming a better Christian, better follower of Christ and better leader (whether it is in your home, church or community).  The trap that we can fall into is when we deflect dealing with our lack by comparing ourselves with the lack in others – as though it were a competition to get on top or maybe the idea that I can only find value in my current place of growth by realizing at least I am better than someone else.

It is interesting how Jesus helps them (and us) by giving a simple to understand object lesson:  He brings a young child into the group and says, “Who can humble himself and become like little children?” (my paraphrase).  He additionally says, “If someone wants to be first, he must choose to be last and servant to all… for he who is least among you will be the greatest.” (combination of the Mark and Luke passages).  Clearly Jesus turns the tables and points out that we are not to strive to be better than others through some self-promoting ambition, but that we humble ourselves and serve others to be great in God’s kingdom.

As I read through Matt. 18 the question came up within me:  What are the characteristics of young children that Jesus may have been referring to? … the attributes of a child that would be helpful for me to adopt as a follower of Christ… the child-like factors that could improve my own leadership?

• Innocence – that unhindered, unfiltered way of fearlessly running into each situation with an since of adventure.
• Purity – the inner beauty of a clean spirit; undefiled, not polluted, free from the since of sin, guilt or shame.
• Trust – the ability to be intimate with others and the readiness to believe everything they tell us.
• Accepting – kids make friends easily – no prejudice:  they have the ability to accept people for who they are.
• Forgiving – children are always willing to quickly and completely forgive people when they sincerely apologize.
• Tenderness – gentile and sweet, a heart that is easily filled and easily broken.
• Obedience – the ability to submit, obey and co-operate without question or attitude.
• Teachable – kids are eager to learn EVERYTHING from ANYONE.
• Freedom – free from the knowledge of pressure and stress and fear and worry and doubt…
• Wide eyed – the ability to see with a since of awe, a deep appreciation for every simple detail.

Certainly not a complete list, there are many more admirable features to be appreciated in children, and of course some that they quickly learn form us that are not so good.  As adults we recognize that these same great attributes are easily manipulated by others who would seek to take advantage or do harm… so wisdom and experience become our safe guarding boundaries.  But beware that your desire for safety does not keep you from the life Jesus intends for you to live.  A life filled with child-like attributes.

Jesus then goes on to say that when we value children we are showing honor to God and when someone does harm to one of these little ones it would be better for that person to have a boat anchor tied around their neck and thrown into the sea than to face God’s judgement. A thought worth pondering…