Childlike Faith or Childish Faith?

Tuesday True Tale #130

One of the most extraordinary things about children is that they are simultaneously complex and simple. They are tiny little humans with sinful natures. These naive, curious explorers are born with a survival instinct and a strong desire to please their whims, desires, and curiosities. They are pitted against their own selfish, self-centered hearts. They wonder about everything, constantly learn, and are in awe of their surroundings.

They are often ruled by their emotions and exhibit antagonistic and selfish behavior. We call it childish. We expect childishness from these little folks because they "don't know any better." We tolerate it as we shape their hearts to become less self-absorbed and learn to share and rein in their emotions and "play nice." Removing childishness is a complex process, but no one said growing up is easy!

We all know childish adults. Sometimes, it's us. Adults know better, but when we don't get what we want or things don't go our way, our frustration emerges, which can often look childish. Immaturity does not look good on anyone. When my granddaughter hits her brother because he won't give her a toy or when my grandson screams because his sister won't share, we call this childish because we expect it from three- and four-year-olds. Childishness is a trait we tolerate in children but loathe in adults.

However, being childlike has a more positive feel. So, what's the difference, and why is childlikeness so important to Christ?

Mark 10:15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Matthew 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

Psalm 131:2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

How can we be mature, faithful, courageous, wise, discerning, and bold while still childlike?

1. Being childlike means humility - Children are ready to listen and follow. Yes, they can be rebellious, but when it matters most, children know the benefits of submitting to their parents who care for them the most. Children know the benefits of obedience.

2. Being childlike means objectivity - Children are often too young to be influenced by subjective values and reasoning. They have yet to experience the hardships of life that can make adults skeptical, opinionated, and biased. Children just listen and believe.

3. Being childlike means swift repentance. Children who have been taught to respect authority understand why they are wrong. They desire and seek forgiveness. Nothing is more important than a restored relationship with their mother and father so that they will act quickly. Children desire peace with the authority in their lives.

4. Being childlike means unrestrained trust - Adults need reasons to trust, reasons that are fickle and temporary. Doubt and peril destroy the once-trusted reasons and must be replaced. More and more proof is required, and trust is exercised with great caution. Children believe the word of their parents. The word is reason enough. Even when doubt creeps in, trust is quickly restored with a word of assurance.

Christ seeks childlike faith for salvation and throughout our walk with him. Humility, objectivity, swift repentance, and unrestrained trust ensure our spiritual maturity and a courageous, wise, discerning, productive life in Christ.

Although my granddaughter can be childish, one of her frequent bedtime prayers is, "Dear Jesus, please help me to obey!" It is this childlike plea that inspires me to simplify my faith in Christ!

Meditation Points

1.     In what ways has your faith been childlike?

2.     In what ways has your faith been childish?