Childlike, But Not Childish

But, as Christians, as children of God, it is imperative that we remain receptive, we remain teachable. Peter said, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby." (I Peter 2:2). You have to desire the milk. You have to want to study and want to learn. We need to remain teachable.

4. Trusting

A little child is dependent. He takes comfort in holding the hand of his parents. He’s perfectly content to be utterly dependent on those who love him and care for him. When I was a child, I wasn’t able to buy my own food or clothes or maintain my own home; yet I never doubted that I would be clothed or fed, and that there will be shelter and warmth and comfort. I had parents, and my trust was in them, not in my ability to accomplish anything.

As Christians, where is our trust? God has promised to take care of us. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28). "For he himself has said, ’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’" (Hebrews 13:5). Let us have a childlike faith!

One of my favorite poems relates to this subject. The author is unknown:

Last night my little boy confessed to me

Some childish wrong; and kneeling at my knee,

He prayed with tears, "Dear God, make me a man,

Like Daddy -- wise and strong; I know you can."

Then while he slept, I knelt beside his bed,

Confessed my sins and prayed with low-bowed head;

"O God, make me a child, like my child here --

Pure, open, trusting thee with faith sincere."

Conclusion:

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Have we been able to retain the desirable qualities of children, while putting away the undesirable ones? Are we childlike, or are we childish?

Hopefully each of us has determined to "grow up in Christ" -- to put off immature ways and to put on mature qualities.