How Childlike are you?
- Feb 20, 2024
- 3 min read
I was at the nail salon the other day and I could not help but observe a child that was playing freely not minding anything at all. It was as if he was in his own world. This got me thinking about children generally and the mindset God wants His children (us) to have.
”At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.“
Matthew 18:1-4 AMP
This scripture refers to the mindset we must have to truly enjoy the benefits the kingdom of God has to offer. You may be thinking a child? Yes! It seems like a lower ranking but sometimes the things of the spirit may not always make sense but its truth. I had opportunities to work closely with children and there are many things to learn. Open your heart in humility so you will gain something.
There is a reason the scripture says to train up a child the way they should go. Not train up an adult the way they should go. Children are trainable and teachable. A parent shapes the mind of their child which will impact their outlook on life and the way they respond to matters. I am an educator and I have a responsibility to shape the minds of my students ensuring I set them on a path for academic success. It is easy to tell a child something and they believe you or adopt a certain principle for example. It is easier for children to forgive and move on like nothing happened. I have seen this especially with toddlers or preschoolers. It is amazing to watch.
Adults have a difficult time of changing their ways because they have built a lifestyle, a habit that would take more time to adjust. But someone shout the HOLY SPIRIT! Yes, with the help of the Holy Spirit through the renewing of your mind in the word of God, you can become childlike before God.
”And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].“
Romans 12:2 AMP
Remember this has nothing to do with your age but a position. He is your Heavenly Father and you will always be His son or daughter. For God to deal with you properly, you must become like a child ready to learn and listen. Ready to move when He says move or stop when He says stop. There are some traditions, practices, and mindsets in your life that God wants to undo and for you to leave behind while He introduces a new way of thinking. Embrace it, you will realize how far God will go with you when you are flexible and open towards His leading and direction.
My blog is named "Simply Tola" for a reason. I did not name it that way because it sounded cute but the leading of the Holy Spirit. He gave me a scripture to back it up.
”The unfolding of Your [glorious] words give light; Their unfolding gives understanding to the simple (childlike).“
Psalms 119:130 AMP
The Lord gave me this platform in 2020 and whispered "You will learn how simple you will become." As I reflect on my journey thus far with the Lord, I realize that there were times that I had to be humble and low like a child. I had to just follow God. No explanation, no reasoning, just a word. I pray for you today that as walk with the Lord daily, you manifest Psalms 119:130. May you be open and teachable like that of a child.
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