What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
In the hustle and bustle of our adult lives, we often forget the profound wisdom contained within the innocence of a child’s heart. The Bible, in Matthew 18:2-4, offers us a glimpse into the importance of being a “kid at heart” in our journey of faith. Let’s delve into these verses to uncover what it truly means to be childlike in our relationship with God.
Matthew 18:2-3 (Amplified Bible, Classic)
“And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, and said, Truly I say to you unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].”
In these verses, Jesus invites a child into His presence, using this innocent soul as a living example of the qualities He seeks in us. What are these childlike attributes?
1. Trusting: Children place unwavering trust in their parents. Similarly, our relationship with God should be marked by trust and reliance on His guidance and love.
2. Lowly: Children are humble and meek, recognising their dependence on adults. In our faith, we should humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our need for His grace.
3. Loving: Children possess a pure and unguarded love for those around them. We should emulate this love in our interactions with others, embracing compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.
4. Forgiving: Children often forgive quickly, not holding grudges. We are called to forgive as well, for forgiveness is central to the Christian faith.
Matthew 18:4 (Amplified Bible, Classic)
“Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
In this verse, Jesus reaffirms the significance of adopting childlike qualities. He declares that those who humble themselves and embrace these childlike traits become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
So, what does it mean to be a “kid at heart” in our faith? It means being like that little child whom Jesus embraced – trusting in God’s plan, remaining humble before His greatness, loving unconditionally, and forgiving as we have been forgiven.
As adults, we must not lose sight of the child within us. Embracing these childlike qualities not only strengthens our relationship with God but also allows us to experience the fullness of His kingdom. May we all strive to be children of God at heart, living out the wisdom contained in Matthew 18:2-4, and rekindling the innocence and purity of our faith.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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