Matthew 18:2-3
“Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
What of Today’s Verse…
Our Lord bids us seek the child-heart! Not to be childish, but childlike! It is recorded of the illustrious soldier, Naaman, that after he had washed in the Jordan waters, his flesh came to him as that of a little child. It is a noble combination–the stature and strength of the full-grown man united with the winsome purity and sweetness of a little child. It is not possible for any one of us to attain these two qualities unless we are prepared to pay the price. The orders of rank in the Kingdom of Heaven are diametrically opposed to those of our earthly kingdoms. Here men are ever striving to rise above their fellows; but in Christ’s Kingdom they stoop to serve, and in stooping become crowned.
The King of Glory girded Himself with a towel, and kneeling down washed the feet of His disciples, and the nobles in His Kingdom are those who have become willing to be the servants of all.
Simplicity, humility, and freedom from self-consciousness are the natural traits of early childhood; alas! That they so quickly learn from us to seek for notice, patronage, and the first place! How happy that little one was as he nestled to the Saviour’s heart! Three times over in this chapter the Master speaks about “these little ones.” How dearly He loved the children, and each time must have pressed the child closer to Himself! It was thus that like came to like.
It is the childlike hearts that agree on earth in the symphony of prayer. One may go East and the other West, but beneath the touch of the Spirit of Love, they will be of one accord, i.e. in attuned fellowship with each other and with Christ (Mat_18:19-20). The child-spirit, also, will be willing to forgive and forget (Mat_18:15, 21&22).
Let us Pray:
Grant, O Lord that I may become as a little child in Thy kingdom. May my heart be filled with Thy love, my lips with gentle, helpful words, and my hands with kind, unselfish deeds. Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Attentive
I demonstrate God’s love by being attentive.
Today I am attentive to the many ways I can be of service to others. I make time to visit a family member who has been ill or a friend who is grieving. I help a neighbour find a lost pet or attend to a child who needs a special moment of care or attention. I welcome opportunities to be of service, and I am rewarded with experiences that uplift me and others.
I tenderly offer my care, patiently give my time and thoughtfully demonstrate God’s love by being attentive to the needs of others. As I serve, I receive even more. Seeing a smile returned fills me with appreciation. Any gift or attention I may have given to another blesses me abundantly in return.
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.–James 1:17
