Watching my grandchildren on the playground, I began to register the actions of the children playing. There were little ones ranging from age one to about age ten. They all seemed to be having a great time, the little ones following after the older ones, imitating them.
I began to notice the behavior of some of the little boys. In my mind, a couple of them seemed to be a little bullish in their actions toward the other children. I wondered where the Mothers were and why they were letting those little boys pull those little stunts with the other children.
Upon questioning my granddaughter about these little boys, I found that she didn't see things quite like I did. They were 'just playing'. Now, that's like a little child, always seeing the best in someone. This is the way Jesus says we are to become.
Matthew 18:3 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Adults seem to have a different outlook on life than a little child. We are so fast to make judgments that may or may not be based on truth, but it's the way 'we see it' at the time. On the other hand, a little child is apt to take a person at face value, until that person does something to harm them.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
If we could maintain the innocence of a little child toward others and love others the way God intended us to love, life would be better, and this world would be a better place in which to live. We should strive daily to heed the commandment to love the AGAPE way. Hold the image of that innocence child in your mind when trials of life come your way and you are faced with doing the right thing. If we could see the face of our Lord, then we would no doubt see the smile upon his face that his chosen had begun to 'become as little children' in our Christian walk with Him.
Copyright 2004 by Barbara Sanders, Empire, AL. Used by permission.
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