A Little Child

Why did Solomon compare himself to a little child?

1. He was young

2. He was inexperienced

3. He wanted wisdom and understanding

His request for wisdom pleased God, and God gave him that plus so much more. We can also ask for wisdom, and are invited to do so.

James 1:5-- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Wisdom comes from God.

Proverbs 2:6-- “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

We as Christians are called “the children of God.”

The phrase “children of God” appears nine times in the Bible.

We are children by faith (Gal. 3:26)

We are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9)

The Holy Spirit confirms us as children (Rom. 8:16)

We must love God our Father (I John 5:2)

We are also called “little children” in the Bible. This was one of John’s favorite terms, as he uses it nine times in the book of I John. John is trying to make a point. You are not big strong Christians, you are just little children. You are the children of God.

QUALITIES OF A LITTLE CHILD:

1. A little child is helpless

2. A little child needs protection

3. A little child needs love and nurturing

4. A little child needs mentoring

Solomon felt that all of this was true of him.

Now notice the contrast with God. As God’s children…

We are helpless. God is our help

Psalm 121:1-2-- “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”

We need protection. God is our strong and mighty tower

Proverbs 18:10-- “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

We need love and nurturing. God is like a nurturing mother

Isaiah 49:15-- “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.”

We need mentoring. God is the greatest Mentor

Psalm 32:8-- “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Christian, what do you see yourself as? A great man or woman of the faith? A mighty saint? Your view of yourself is important.

--Solomon saw himself as a little child

--Paul saw himself as the chiefest of sinners

--Jeremiah saw himself as a child

Do you see yourself as a little child?

A child is helpless, hopeless, without understanding, without knowledge, without experience, in need of love and care, in need of correction, and in need of guidance.

Christian, you are a child of God!

Galatians 4:6-- “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Like a child, you need help, you need protection, you need the love of God, you need wisdom and instruction, you need personal time with your Father, you need mentoring, and you need the simple faith of a child.

This is why God blessed Solomon so much! Not because he was humble and honest, but because he saw himself as a little child. That’s what God wants from you.

Luke 18:17-- “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”

Remember Gideon’s view of himself? He said he was the least in his father’s house, but the Lord called him a mighty man of valor (Judg. 6:12). He had the wrong view of himself. He saw himself as a coward, but God saw him as a warrior.

Jesus had His own view of Nathanael; He said to him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (John 1:47) He saw a lot of promise in this disciple.

God always has the right view of who you are, but what is your view of yourself?

In the end, we are all just little children.

John 21:3-5—“Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.”

John 20:17—“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”