Become As Little Children

Become As Little Children

Matthew 18:1–6 NKJV

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 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. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Everyone wants to be “greatest”

We want to be greatest at our careers

We want to be greatest among our friends

We want to be greatest at sports

We like the recognition, the power, the privilege that come with being “greatest”

This is the natural state of man - to desire to be “greatest”

Perhaps there should be a distinction here between achieving “greatness” and being “greatest”

We should. always strive for excellence, and do our best

This is different than measuring ourselves by ourselves, and only feeling great if we are greater than another.

When the disciples asked Jesus “who was the greatest”, he replied:

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” ().

As if who is greatest was irrelevant -

So, today I want to discuss: how do we “become as little children”?

Not also that He said that to do so, you must “be converted”. In other words, we may have to give up some of our natural thinking

He knew that it may not seem normal to let go of this desire to be greatest in favor of being childlike,

Practice Humility

The first step should be to practice humility

He said “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child …” ().

We like to tell everyone that we are grown - we don’t need anyone - don’t have to answer to anyone

But little children realize they are small and must look up to grown-ups.

A. Little children realize they are small and must look up to grown-ups. They are aware of their lack of strength and wisdom. They ask for help and guidance.

They are aware of their lack of strength and wisdom.

They ask for help and guidance.

God wants us to be aware of our lack of strength and of our inability to understand everything.

You don’t have to have all the answers

But stop acting like you do

Children are not embarrassed to ask for help and instruction.

He wants us to ask Him for assistance and wisdom

Don’t worry, it is not troubling God to hear your prayer

James 1:5 NKJV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

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Practice Trust

Trust is a wonderful characteristic of little children.

They trust their parents implicitly to meet their needs. And their parents delight to do so

A. Trust is a wonderful characteristic of little children. They trust their parents implicitly to meet their needs.

Yet so Many people are trusting in material things and depending on their own abilities.

Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

God wants His children to trust Him completely to meet their needs

C. God wants His children to trust Him completely to meet their needs ().

Jesus said it was His good pleasure to give us the kingdom -

This “trusting” is not apathy or laziness - but rather a childlike confidence

That God, our Father, is willing and able, and has place you in an environment where you can succeed

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Philippians 4:19 NKJV

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

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Practice Light-heartedness

It is normal for little children to be light-hearted and carefree.

Most children are not troubled about the light bill, or the car payment

It is normal for them to be light, and joyful - knowing their parents will care for these things

God wants His children to be light-hearted and carefree, too. He is able to bear their burdens

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” ().

Its too bad that so many Christians seem unable to do this

so often we carry our burdens out in front of us with disgruntled attitudes and

So many people, even Christians, can allow our our circumstances and responsibilities to rob us of this light-heartedness, and joy

instead walking around stressed and depressed, often ready to blow if anyone adds some pressure

Yet, Jesus described a simplicity, being childlike - Children are not stressed out because of their to do list...

Practice Persistence

Most children are also persistant - they don’t give up easily - they don’t quit

A little child falls many times but he never gives up until he learns to walk.

Only as we grow up and suffer some of the disappointments of life to we tend to become easily discouraged and quick to turn back

Christians make lots and mistakes and sometimes really blow it, but they should keep trying and refuse to give up.

Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Practice Anticipation

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Children continually look ahead with anticipation.

Ever hear a child talking about Christmas? Or their birthday?

How excited they are as they look forward to what’s ahead

Philippians 3:14 NKJV

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul said he was pressing toward a goal, expecting a prize

we should have childlike excitement and anticipation as we look forward to the goal!!

Discouragement is short-lived with children. They look to the future with hope.

Christians should look ahead with anticipation, too. They should look for and expect the best to come

John 14:1–3 NKJV

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

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So, lets cast off our selfish pride, and worldly dignity, and become like children

Like children looking forward to a wonderful destination, and trusting our Father completely during the journey!!