Monday, March 16, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, March 16, 2020

Let’s Act Like Children

In the last few months, our family has been blessed with a granddaughter and a great granddaughter.  Whenever I see pictures of them or am in their presence, there is a peace, calmness, and joy about them.  They are not worried about the major turndowns in our economy because of the coronavirus.  They are unconcerned about their automobile expenses, their retirement accounts or whether they will get a promotion on their jobs.  Thoughts of their future spouses and children are far from their thinking.

 Oftentimes, we only see children for their cuteness, but Jesus had a different view of them.  He said in order for anyone to enter into the kingdom of heaven, they had to become like a trusting, humble, and forgiving child. He also said that people who humbled themselves like a child would be the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-4).  In another passage Jesus said that the kingdom of Heaven belongs to people who are like children (Matthew 19:14). 

Good children show immense love and trust for their protectors and God says to love Him with all of our hearts, soul and strength (Matthew 22:37).  God wants us to walk as dear loving children (Ephesians 5:1, 2) and not to be conformed to the evils of this world system (1 Peter 1:14).

It is easy to be cynical, cold and callous because of the wickedness that seems to dominate men’s thinking.  So, let us decide that we should be more child-like in our faith, love, and trust so that we might be what God wants us to be in His kingdom.  Let us have the nature of children.

Matthew 18:1-4
New International Version (NIV)
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:14 
New International Version (NIV)
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 22:37
New International Version (NIV)
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 

Ephesians 5:1, 2
New International Version (NIV)
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

1 Peter 1:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.






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