Child-like faith???

Matthew 18:1-5 (ESV) At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,[a] it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

I was the youngest of three children until the age of 14, when my mom had a surprise baby, taking away my title as the youngest. My two older siblings were two and four years older than me, so they were at school during the day for a few years before I started. My mom didn't work, and my dad spent long hours at his job, which meant I had a couple of years when it was just my mom and me at home. I remember, and my mom would tell you, that I used to follow her around, doing whatever she was doing and asking countless questions. I often wondered just how many questions I was asking.

Researchers have found that curious children ask a staggering 73 questions every day, with half of these questions being difficult for parents to answer, according to a study.

All I recall was giving her a barrage of who, why, what, when, where, and how questions. These were the days when my mom didn't have the luxury of Google to turn to for answers, so either she would say she didn’t know, or I’m sure she made up some great-sounding answers on the spot.

A list has been made of parents’ top 10 most challenging questions:

1. Why do people die?

2. Where did I come from?

3. What is God?

4. How was I made?

5. What does “we can’t afford it” mean?

6. Is Santa Claus real?

7. Why do I have to go to school?

8. When you die, who will I live with?

9. Why is the sky blue?

10. Why can’t I stay up as late as you?

Children ask a LOT of questions! This is well-known. Some Christians believe that having childlike faith means not needing reasons or explanations for their beliefs. However, we know that children are curious and eager to learn. Therefore, having “faith like a child” or “childlike faith” implies that this faith is not blind and involves asking many questions.

When people assert they don't need to question their beliefs, it doesn't seem to embody a childlike attitude. Childlike faith is often described as a faith that doesn't doubt, question, or seek explanations; it simply believes. However, this isn't genuine childlike faith.

Children ask questions... a lot of questions. So, what is childlike faith?

Having worked with children for many years and raised three of our own, I've concluded that childlike faith isn't about avoiding questions. I understand that "childlike faith" is actually a faith that asks numerous questions. I love hearing questions from children. It shows they are eager to learn. Let's encourage this curiosity, and let's also maintain that childlike quality ourselves until the day Jesus takes us home.

It's important to note that the term “childlike faith” isn't found in the Bible. When people mention “childlike faith” or “faith like a child,” they are referring to the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:17, where He explains that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like little children.

Matthew 18:3 "...and said,“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Mark 10:14-15 (ESV) But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them,“Let the children come to me;do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Luke 18:17 (ESV) Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

However, in these passages, Jesus uses a child to describe what a person can be like to enter the kingdom of heaven. It can involve a child’s faith, but it can also easily involve many other childlike attributes.

Jesus is encouraging His listeners to humble themselves like a child and receive Him like a child (Matt 18:4-5; Mark 10:14) if they want to see the kingdom of heaven.

In other words, there is something essential about the childlike perspective for those who want to see the kingdom of heaven. What is this childlike perspective that Jesus has in mind?

Experiencing the kingdom of heaven is not solely about life after death; it is about living and connecting with God’s life here and now. This understanding aligns with Jesus’ teaching on becoming like a little child. To truly experience God’s life in this world, we must cultivate humility, much like that of a child. It involves preserving the beautiful qualities and characteristics of childhood that often diminish as we navigate this sinful world. Let’s strive to keep the child within us alive.

Being like a child would mean being someone who asks a lot of questions, is inquisitive, and does not remain ignorant. God gave us Scripture so that we might learn, grow, mature, and reason (Isaiah 1:18).

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

We can all become students who reason with the Lord, disciples, or disciplined followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Let’s look at some great childlike qualities we could all use more of in our adult lives…

· Trust.

· Wonder and awe.

· Playfulness and humor.

· Being willing to learn and grow.

· Tenderness of conscience.

· Openness about emotions and feelings.

· Creativity and imagination.

· Joy.

· Eternal hope.

· Easy forgiveness.

· Undying love.

· Boundless exuberance and energy.

· Always thinking the best about life and other people.

Accept the charge from Jesus this week to seek and embrace the invisible Kingdom of God. Share this Kingdom with others as you navigate and live in a world that desperately needs it, along with the King who rules it—Jesus. Teach your curious children what it means to be a faithful follower of Him..