“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.””
Mark 10:15 ESV
Most of my life I have worked with children in one capacity or another. I started teaching Sunday school when I was quite young. Later I went on to work in elementary schools and finally I started a daycare which is where you would find me today. While I am definitely no expert in children’s behavior I have seen a lot of children to reference.
As I read this scripture, Jesus says whoever does not receive the kingdom “like a child” shall not enter it. It offers no other explanation, but the reader is left to gather what “like a child” would look like. Here are a few things I see on a daily basis that I feel we can learn from…
Children make friends easily and are quick to forgive…
It is crazy how easily children can make friends. Whether it’s one day at a daycare or thirty minutes at a park. Children quickly fall into their perspective play roles and have a good time. If a wrong occurs, there may be tears and anger, but it is short lived and a short apology usually remedies the situation.
Children are sensitive…
Although this aspect often fills my life with more drama than I may need, the sensitivity shows their heart is soft. Whether it’s their own hurt or the hurt of another’s they are willing to let their heart be affected by the world around them and are willing to do what is needed to aide the hurt.
Children are excited and grateful…
It is crazy how one jelly bean can motivate and excite. When kids are “caught being good” at my daycare I often give a jellybean. One little jellybean, yet it means the world to them. A new craft, a new toy, a bottle of bubbles or a large sheet… all can fill their day with wonder and excitement.
So when Jesus commanded to receive the kingdom like a child, what did he mean? If I take a page from my life with children He is telling us to give love and forgiveness generously. He is urging us to have compassion for the world around us and not let our own pain harden our hearts. Lastly, to be grateful for all things especially the small things.
If we commit these childlike traits to our life the world will be a better place for us all. In being like children we will be more like Jesus and that is what we are truly called to be.
That Could Preach 