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Except We Be As Children


EXCEPT WE BE AS CHILDREN

In the eighteenth chapter of Matthew the disciples asked an interesting question of Jesus.
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Many in the Body of Christ are still asking that same question today.  In our culture we tend to measure greatness in the Body of Christ by large numbers, beautiful buildings, and expensive budgets.  We tend to think that the greatest are the biggest and best.  

Our society measures success and greatness by achievement and skill.  Although this is the method of our culture, it is not the method of measurement of the Word of God. In Matthew 18:3-4, The Lord shares His definition of greatness.  “…Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven."  Verse 4 continues, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

In order to be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven we must become as children. The way into the Kingdom of Heaven is by the simple trust and dependence of a child.  It could
be said that God measures greatness by attitudes rather than just actions.  If we are to be considered great by Biblical standards then we must take on the following characteristics of a child:

·      Dependent – A child is totally dependent on its parents.  We must abandon ourselves totally to our caring heavenly Father.  In Matthew 6:25-26 – Jesus teaches, “…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than clothing?   Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they.”
·      Believing – A child has no trouble with faith.  They believe in what they are told, even when it is wrong.  Children are taught to believe in the tooth fairy, Santa Clause, and even the Easter Bunny.  As believers we must have a child-like faith when it comes to believing the promises of God.  II Corinthians 1:20 – says, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
·      Innocent – One of the most beautiful characteristics of a child is his/her innocence.  In Hebrews 7:26 – it tells us that “…Jesus was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.”  Matthew 10:16 – says “…therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

To be considered great in the kingdom of heaven is to have the same characteristics that are found in a child.  We must become dependent, believing, and innocent. Why not pray today and ask the Lord to help you to develop these childlike qualities in your walk and relationship with God?  

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