Then He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 18:3-4
If you have ever spent time with children, you will find that it is incredibly easy to love them. There is so much to learn from them, and it is no surprise that Jesus said we must change and become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God. Simply observing them can offer profound wisdom for life. In fact, Jesus Christ declared that the greatest in the Kingdom of God is the one who is like a child.
It is much easier to assume that wisdom and maturity in God come with gray hair that the one who has lived the longest, ruled over nations, or amassed the most knowledge is the greatest. But why would Jesus point to a child instead
The more time you spend with children, the better you will understand why the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like them. Many of the burdens you carry so seriously will begin to seem insignificant when viewed through the lens of a child. As my people say, “All these things wey you carry for chest no dey necessary.” Life is much simpler and lighter when approached with a childlike disposition.
As naïve as it may sound, embracing childlike qualities such as trust, wonder, and dependence frees you from unnecessary complications. Children forgive easily. It often takes repeated hurt before they begin to recognize the need for distance. And yet, if the same adult who wronged them turns around the next day, acts kindly, or offers them something they love, they embrace them again with no grudges, no pretense, just pure joy and love. The more you become like a child, the more hopeful, less critical, and open hearted you become.
Their Protection is in Their Innocence
Matthew 18:10 says “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Their innocence is one reason why their angels do not take them lightly. Because of their vulnerability and purity, children are heavily guarded and defended by God. They shift the burden of looking out for themselves to God and His angels. This is why a child can see a snake and pick it up like a toy, and the same snake that would have bitten an adult may curl around the child, as if attempting to protect them.
Daniel trusted in God with the innocence of a child, and the lions that would have devoured any other person instantly were harmless to him. If they could speak, I imagine them saying:
“Chairman, it is such a privilege to meet you. The honor is ours. Please, sir, you can have my corner; it’s warmer over there.”
Now imagine another person thrown into the lions’ den, someone who believes in their own strength. Before they hit the ground, fear grips them, and the lions sense it. I imagine them thinking: “Ah, this one doesn’t trust in God. He believes in his own wisdom, his own efforts. Let’s have him for dinner!”
Jehoshaphat’s Childlike Trust
The story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 suggests to me that the more childlike you become, the more responsibilities you shift to God. But the more independent and self reliant you try to be, the more you unknowingly take on burdens that were meant for Him. When you say or demonstrate by your actions “I’ve got this, I can handle this,” you are, in a way, telling God you don’t need His help.
This was the posture King Jehoshaphat took when the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on him. Instead of relying on military power, counting his soldiers, devising battle strategies, or forming alliances, he declared a national fast and prayed. He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!”.
And God responded by saying “Do not be afraid! Do not be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”.
Oh, when you catch the spirit of this story, you cannot help but break into tongues!
Scripture reveals that Jehoshaphat was so wise he didn’t simply fold his arms after God assured him of victory. Instead, he worshipped God. He appointed singers to lead the army in praising God. They sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!”. And the Bible says, “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, and they destroyed themselves!”.
The people of Judah did not have to lift a finger in battle God fought for them as a Father fights for His child.
Becoming Childlike With God
Becoming like a child in faith does not mean being irresponsible or ignorant; it means shifting our dependence from ourselves to God. We cultivate this posture by worshipping Him as a child would, intentionally casting our cares and burdens upon Him, depending on Him by inquiring of Him and making it a habit to seek His guidance before taking any action, and being quick to forgive, just as children are.
Finally, maintain an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to God’s abundant provision. If you would like to explore this further, check out the series on gratitude to learn how to develop and practice a lifestyle of thanksgiving.
I believe that today, God wants you to know that He desires to be ‘the grown up’ in your life. He wants to be everything you need Him to be and more.
You have been strong long enough. Let Him be strong for you. Be His child again. Weep before Him. Tell Him everything that is on your mind. Let Him know through your words and actions that you are helpless without Him, and watch Him swoop in to defend you, just as a mother hen defends her chicks. No one who puts themselves at the mercy of God ever lives to regret it.
