Oh to Be Like a Child Again!

Be Strong, Be Well — Tuesday, November 24, 2020

It took me back to the time we were raising our children. But after spending so much time with our grandsons recently, there is still much us older folks can learn.

Most of these past few weeks, our house was filled with laughter and playing (even though this got pretty rough between the two boys). Yes, there were times of fussing, orneriness, and bickering, but by the time you start to correct the situation, they have moved on to playing and laughing once again. You think you need to intervene and spend a moment teaching valuable life lessons, when sometimes they end up teaching you something about life and the innocence of childhood!

The Bible tells us there comes a time when we should put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:1). Although the context of this verse is the subject of miraculous gifts, there are many things children do that as adults we must leave behind. We need to grow up and be the adults we need to be. “Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

On the other hand, “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2, 3). Again “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

The Lord is telling us there are many characteristics of children, adults would do well to put back into their lives. We are compelled to look at the qualities of children in their purest form of trust, honesty, love, humility, optimism, happiness, persistence, being nonjudgmental, getting along with others, and being quick to forgive and forget. —Chris