Your Inner Child

Scripture Reading

Matthew 18:1-4

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Devotional

Back in the time the scripture was written, children were to be quiet and obedient to their parents. It was essentially the lowest position you could hold. So, while Jesus’ disciples were eager to know who was the greatest among them, God gives them a piece of humble pie by choosing a child as an example of who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven. As a child you’re completely dependent on your parents and rely on them for wisdom, guidance, and protection. In the same way, God is saying he wants us to humble ourselves. We’re his children and we should rely on him, seeking his help as we navigate life and seeking a deeper relationship with him by staying in the Word, serving, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping with others.

See, the world just wants to create divisions and pit people against each other. The world wants you to continue to draw distinctions between yourself and others based on race, social class, sexual orientation, culture, political affiliation, criminal record, and so on and so forth. But Jesus is saying right here, that we need to be like children – taking the lowest status. Stated plainly, humble yourselves and be transformed by focusing on God and his teachings. Let’s pray.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for being the ultimate example of what love and humbleness looks like and for reminding us that no one is better than another. Lord, I pray that you would guide my thoughts and actions in your ways, so I do not conform to the ways of the world. Amen.