“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Jesus of Nazereth (Matthew 18:3)

I’ve heard a lot of sermons convering this scripture and all of them pretty much end up at the same place. Sooner or later (the way most preachers like to talk — it’s usually later), you’re gonna hear “Becoming like a little child means that you look at God as your father. You love Him, you trust Him, and you obey Him without question“.

And my reaction is always the same, “Who the heck’s kids are these people talking about and what planet did they kidnap them from?”

C’mon! “Obey without question?” It’s not normal for any kid I know.

In fact, the most feared word in a child’s vocabulary is “WHY”.

“Put your shoes on.”
“Why?”

“‘Cause we’re going out to dinner.”
“Why?”

“‘Cause mommy needs a break tonight.”
“Why?”

“She’s tired from working all day long.”
“Why?”

“Because that’s what mommies do.”
“Why?”

“God made things that way.”
“Why?”

“Why don’t you ask God.”
“Why?”

Get my point?

Sorry, it ain’t about questions, or the obedience. It’s all about the childlike nature of children.

It’s not the actions of the child that Jesus is talking about – but the mentality of the child. The awe, the innocence, the curiosity, the willingness to accept things unseen.

When you get a chance, take a moment to watch a child lost in play. There’s a real good possibility that you’ll catch a glimpse of the face of God.

Oh, and one more thing – it’s not what adults see in children that counts. It’s not how we feel about them. What matters is what they see in us – how children feel about us.

So, let’s be perfect, folks – let’s be like children… for our kids.