In the Word we find that the process of becoming mature in Christ is high on the agenda of the Father’s heart.
The Bible repeatedly emphasises the significance of spiritual maturity and growth on our faith journey. In 1 Corinthians 13:11, it likens spiritual growth to the transition from childhood to adulthood, encouraging believers to stop childish thoughts and behaviours as they progress in their faith. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 14:20 urges believers not to remain childish in understanding but to mature, particularly highlighting the need to avoid negative behaviours such as malice, spitefulness, and backbiting. Through all of these scriptures, and many others, we see how important it is for us as believers to allow the process of maturity in our lives.
With that being said, in Matthew 18:1-5 the disciples of Jesus were discussing and wanted to know who are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus then called a little child to Him and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus wanted to address the condition of the hearts of His disciples, and the way they looked at greatness and status in the Spirit. With that Jesus made this interesting statement that they needed to be converted, they needed to become like little children.
Jesus really speaks about the attributes and attitudes that need to form part of our sonship, because those attributes and attitudes of humbleness and sincerity becomes a very important ingredient as you walk the journey of maturity in Christ.
We also read in Mark 10:15 how Jesus points out how important it is to receive the things of the kingdom of God with a heart that is willing and in humility before Him.
Thus it is important, as we mature in our walk with God, as we “grow up”, to never loose the childlike attributes that are so vital to our process and progress in life.
Here are fundamental keys that serve as reminders of the childlike attributes and attitudes we ought to embrace in our relationship with Christ:
- Be completely dependant upon Him.
We must acknowledge our complete dependence on God as children rely on their guardians. Our reliance is solely on His unmerited favour, recognising that we bring nothing to God and depend entirely on His grace. Embracing a childlike faith, we open our hands to receive His blessings, understanding that our heavenly citizenship is not earned but received through faith.
This reliance on God is akin to the illustration of a shepherd guiding his flock in Psalm 23. The passage depicts the Lord as a shepherd who provides, guides, and comforts. He leads us to green pastures and still waters, restoring our souls and guiding us on paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even in challenging times, He remains present, offering comfort and assurance. His guidance goes before us, whether through valleys or mountain peaks, never abandoning us. - Be determined and persistent.
Children are known for their determined curiosity – they ask questions persistently, much like the story of a brave woman who kept seeking justice from a judge in the Bible (Luke 18:1-8). Jesus explained the importance of persistence. He shared a story about a friend asking for help late at night and emphasised the need to keep seeking, asking, and knocking persistently (Luke 11:5-13).
When it comes to our relationship with God, persistence matters. Scripture tells us to pray continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) and to persist in doing good, not giving up, even when it is difficult (Galatians 6:9-10).
In essence: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on praying, and keep on doing good – these qualities reflect the importance of persistence as shown in the Bible. - Be convinced that anything is possible.
Think about this: children naturally believe that anything is possible until they are taught otherwise they have an imagination that reveals limitless possibilities but soon they hear from a grown-up that it is impossible or not feasible.
We should always maintain a mindset that firmly believes in God’s limitless ability to achieve the impossible.
We witness the unwavering belief of Jesus’ mother in His abilities in the Bible. At a wedding in Cana, when the wine ran out, she confidently turned to Jesus, stating the problem. Despite initial reluctance from Jesus, she told the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it’ (John 2:1-5, 11-12). This led to the miraculous turning of water into wine, revealing Jesus’ glory and strengthening the faith of His disciples.
In Mark 9:19-24, a father brought his son, who had been plagued by a troubling condition since childhood, to Jesus for healing. The father asked for help, saying, ‘If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’ Jesus responded, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Overwhelmed, the father exclaimed with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’
These instances highlight the importance of unwavering belief. Children believe in endless possibilities, and Jesus encourages us to maintain that faith, reminding us that all things are possible to those who believe.
JESUS, The greatest example of all!
Jesus’ life serves as the best example of how to balance maturity and childlike qualities. He showed great wisdom and guidance while also embracing innocence, trust, and depen-dency – just like a child. Jesus’ life teaches us how to blend maturity with a child’s trust and openness in a way that’s relatable and inspiring for everyone.
Jesus exemplified the essence of being a Son by demonstrating obedience and submission to the Father in all His actions and words, stating that His authority and words were given by the Father (John 12:49). He mirrored this by saying He could do nothing by Himself, only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). These actions of Jesus reflect the childlike faith and attributes inherent in being a Son.
As children of God, John 15:5 reminds us that our ability to accomplish anything meaningful is connected to our relationship with Him. While we’re encouraged to grow and mature spiritually, it’s essential not to lose our childlike attributes while abiding in Him. This balance between maturity and retaining childlike qualities is pivotal in our journey as followers of Christ.
Where do we find ourselves today, have we “grown up” in such a way that we have lost our childlike attributes, or do we really still believe that anything is possible to God?
Lets Embrace these Childlike Virtues in Our Faith Journey, and see how the kingdom of God (Luk 17:21) becomes our reality on a daily basis. (By Pastor Andrè Nel)