Joel M Bradshaw

 15Truly, I [Jesus] say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”–Mark 10

Children have basic characteristics that contrast with adults.

1. DEPENDENT. My kids are 13 and 9 and could feed themselves from the pantry and items in the kitchen they could grab or easily microwave. Honestly, they could eat spicy ramen noodle bowls all day.
2. But think younger. Babies and toddlers are completely dependent upon Mom and Dad for everything. What an attitude to have with God! Relying on him alone.
3. HUMBLE. In the ancient world, children were meant to be seen and not heard, and many times not even seen! Jesus’ culture seemed to prioritize children more than the Romans, but many still saw them as an annoyance to be tolerated.
4. God doesn’t view us that way, but His kingdom is more about humble submission to him and less about our selfish pursuits.
5. TRUSTING. Children trust that their parents will take care of their needs. When a parents shows themself to be consistently untrustworthy, it shatters the relationship.
6. We trust that God is both good and indeed God. That he handles his business and that he cares for us. That trust is the basis of our faith.
7. Those three should describe you. If they don’t, you have major work to do. As citizens in the communities of the Kingdom of the King, these are the childlike values we are expected to maintain.–JMB