“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18: 3).
Children are born with the ability to imagine and to accept the unseen, to relish in fantastic possibilities like ferries, monsters, super-powers and the potential for adventure around every corner. Adults keep teaching them, 2+2=4, but a child says, “yes, unless a 2 has the power to morph into a 3, then the answer to that equation is 4, 5 and 6.”
I am convinced that my 5 year-old grandson clearly perceives the monsters and dragons that he claims are down the road, just over the horizon and around the bend. Sitting in the boat (on his couch in the basement) we fish for an hour or more catching imaginary sharks, blue-gill sunfish, black crappies, catfish and many more. We put them in a bucket, and I take some home for my husband to cook for dinner, his dad cooks up the rest.
Life has a way of continually squeezing out the infinite possibilities, until one day that child is an adult who is influenced only by reason, unable to see the unseen or accept the unknown, and unable to believe in the healing and forgiveness Jesus offers (Jn 5: 1-14).
John Wesley writes, “To you who overvalue reason, let reason do all that reason can; employ it as far as it will go. But, at the same time, acknowledge it is utterly incapable of giving either faith, hope or love, and, consequently of producing either real virtue or substantial happiness. Expect these from a higher source [the Almighty God]. Seek and receive them, not as your own acquisition, but as the gift of God.”
Faith and trust require much more than reason and cognitive linear thought. Yet, faith and trust the size of a tiny mustard seed is enough to begin the faith journey (Matt 17:20). Studying Scripture, prayer and relating with other Christians helps our faith and understanding to grow.
Continuously nurtured faith and trust in the unseen, intangible and infinite possibilities of God develop into absolute belief in the love and power of God, Christ Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Unless we change and become like little children, unless we open our minds and hearts to God’s spiritual realm, unless we are willing to entertain the idea of the miraculous intervention of God breaking through into our lives, we will not experience the fullness of Christ, the amazing power of His indwelling Spirit and the life of love that He provides for those who are devoted to Him.
There is so much more available to us than just a pass into heaven.
Lord, each of us was once a child full of wonder and amazement. Help us to rekindle the excitement and belief that more is possible with You. May our heart, mind, body and soul be quickened to seek and find You. May our faith and trust in You abound. Help us to run, skip and jump towards You and the marvelous life you offer. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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