“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
Matthew 18:2-5 KJV
I love working with children.
A child’s raw and unfiltered honesty can be interpreted as brash and rude. I perceive it differently. Their sincere inquisitiveness can be shocking, but refreshing as they are relentless in figuring out the world around them and how they fit. The questions come often at an alarming pace,
Upset, tired, frustrated – usually they don’t mask emotions. It’s all about how they feel and they clearly communicate. Smile – how many times do you wish you could throw a full fledged two year old tantrum as an adult?? (Some adults still have them.)
When observing children for work, especially those having difficulties, it is a matter of finding what input has caused the output of their actions, in other words it is normally something that has caused their outward actions.
I believe God wants us to approach Him in a manner where we take off our “masks” and approach him in a manner that is raw and real. He already knows – but are we sincere in our actions and emotions when dealing with Him.
God had a close “naked” relationship with Adam and Eve. They had nothing to hide. He would talk and interact with them because they had no concept of sin and had no reason to hide – physically or spiritually.
Children are so young, we teach them “right and wrong,” along with boundaries and protocol. Until that all soaks in you receive full authenticity from them. When happy you get cues verbally, physically and emotionally to back up how they are feeling. When mad or tired, you can’t misconstrue their intent. Everything felt is on the surface.
God wants us to take down our boundaries and be authentic as children with him. Consider the fact – He knows us. He knew us before we were formed in the belly. (Jeremiah 1)
Ask the questions you need to ask. Bear the emotions that need to surface. Be brutally honest in conversations/prayer with Him. Be inquisitive and inquiring.
Yeah, we get full of ourselves and worry to much about how others view us. In God’s presence- humble yourself. Don’t fret about what others think. After all we are His children, worry about what He thinks.
He already knows the “input” in our lives. He’s the Alpha and Omega along with omnipotent and omniscient. Let’s unpack all our stuff so that He can help us with our “output.” When we do this He is able to bring our thoughts under subjection and cause true change within and outside of us.
Approach God as a child…be authentic.
lifeandgodliness 