What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
Why does the Bible call those who follow God, a child of God? Yes, one aspect of course is if you are following God and calling Him, Father, that would make us children. Also, gentiles are adopted in and ñ, in most cases, children are adopted. However, in the book of Matthew Jesus tells His disciples that “except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven”. Since we aren’t Benjamin Button, what does that mean?
What are common characteristics of children? One is inquisitive. Children are always asking questions, most seem unnecessary, but are constantly trying to understand the world around them. Another is dependence. They need guidance, nurturing, and support from their parents or parental figures. The third is involvement. Children love to be involved with learning new things or getting in groups together to play. These characteristics are not implied to every child, nor does every child possess all of these combined, but most possess at least one of these.
Why would God want us to possess these qualities?
Let me try to answer this another way. What trait would hinder one from possessing these qualities? Or what is the antithesis to them? I would have to say pride. Pride is most likely to stop one from asking the simplest, and sometimes the most important, questions. Pride makes one believe they can accomplish anything and that they do not need anyone or anything else in their life to help them. Lastly, pride can alienate one from others. Very few can measure up to a prideful persons standards. Relationships crumble under the weight of their expectations. This is the one of the main reasons God wants His followers to be as little children.
God does not want us to act like children, but in our heart, look to Him as a Father. To continually ask Him questions and seek His truth. To lean on Him when life gets hard or we feel lost. To be open to others and to show them the love that our Father shows us.
I believe this is also one of the reasons Jesus says: “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”Luke 18:25 KJV. A person with wealth is not likely to look to God for guidance. The comforts of their wealth will blind them from the need to turn to God.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV
The same way children are told to treat their earthly parents also applies to how we should treat our Heavenly Father. By doing so our lives will last beyond our time here on earth. This is what it means to me to remain a kid at heart and why it is advised in the Bible. Stay humble, Glory be to God.
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 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. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Matthew 18:1-6 KJV
“Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 KJV
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 KJV
“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.”
Proverbs 16:5 KJV
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 KJV
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6 KJV
33 and a Third 