Our children used to have what we described as a ‘mad half hour’ – and at such times they would just be bursting with energy, excitement and joy. There was no stopping them! I have to admit that I still have occasional child like moments when I will sing, whistle, mess around, act daft and generally annoy the life out of my wife Julia. My excuse is the old adage that, ‘in every man there is a little boy trying to get out!’

I was considering this and remembered the words of Jesus:

“Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand among them. Jesus said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don’t, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4)

Jesus encouraged the people to become like little children. There are four things that’s stand out to me about children. They are:

Trusting
Children are so trusting – they take us at our word. We live in such a cynical and unbelieving world – a world that, if we will allow it, will mould us into its ways (Rom 12:2) and before long we will become doubting, faithless and often never expect anything good to happen to us.

Recently I visited an old aunt and she told me that when I was about four – I had a horrible itchy spot on my face which wouldn’t heal and she asked me about the spot and whether it was sore or not and I replied – ‘It’s ok Aunty – I’ve asked Jesus to help me not to scratch it so I will be fine.’ I want to be like that child again – with his simple faith in Jesus. Maybe you should ask Jesus to give you faith like a small child again – maybe just lately your situation and circumstances have caused you to doubt and question your faith. Maybe you’re struggling to trust God right now. Don’t let that happen!

Having a tough time right now? This post entitled ‘When the going gets tough’ might help.

Loving
One of the things I miss most now that my children have grown up and become adults with their own children is the many hugs they used to give! I now receive those from my grandchildren and they are so special. Children think the best of everyone and always have lots of love to give. They are rarely too busy to express love and affection.

I wonder sometimes, in my crazy busy adult world, whether I’m often in such a rush that I don’t have time to show love and affection towards those around me. How about making a decision that before the end of the day you will show at least one person love, affection and appreciation? Who have you not had time for lately? Who needs a hug in your world right now? Give them a call, pay them a visit. Let them know that you love them.

Forgiving
Have you noticed how young children rarely hold grudges for long and forgive so easily? My children used to fight over toys but I never remember them not forgiving quickly and moving on. Yet as adults, we are so different. I guess, this a partly due to the world we live in and the experiences we’ve had of other people. The fact is that people mess up, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. We must learn to love people and accept them as they are & that involves forgiveness:

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Somebody once said that not forgiving someone is like ‘drinking deadly poison and expecting the other person to die.’ I’ve seen the damage unforgiveness does to people. It harms us more than the other person. It has the potential to become life controlling and can impact all those close to us, eventually even impacting our health. It is horrible. We simply must forgive those who have wronged us – however much we have been hurt and damaged.

My desire is to be childlike in my forgiveness. I want to keep short accounts with God and man and to forgive genuinely and quickly. Is there anyone you need to forgive? Don’t wait a second longer!

And finally children…..

Laugh More!
We regularly FaceTime our grandchildren and they rarely stop laughing and giggling. They love to smile and laugh and as children, they are rarely sad or serious for long. Statistics suggest that children laugh on average 300 times a day compared to adults only laughing 15 times a day? What has happened?!

I think as adults we have become far too serious – life is for living and enjoying! Yes, life causes us to be serious at times and we will all faces struggles and difficulties but we mustn’t allow the enemies of our souls to steal our joy. He is a thief and a robber of life. After all ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength!’ (Nehemiah 8:10) Laughter is such good medicine – why don’t you try and find something to laugh and smile at each day? Why don’t you have a real good laugh – it will do you good!

I guess the challenge is for all of us to have a child like outlook and faith. That means trusting, loving, forgiving and smiling more. We must remember who’s children we are – children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

‘How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

Let’s enjoy being His children! We have a great Dad!

IMAGINE

If you’ve enjoyed this post you might like to check out my book entitled ‘Imagine’ that is all about trusting God based on the amazing promise in Proverbs 3:5-6. Imagine is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and other major book sellers worldwide.

One recent Amazon reviewer said, “This is an incredibly powerful book written as if the author is chatting to you about his own life, struggles and experiences during his ongoing walk with God. It is a very real and honest book with bible verses to back up what the author is sharing about. Personally this book is having a big impact on me and my faith in God. I would recommend to anyone to buy this book if you want to deepen your relationship with God at whatever stage you are in your walk. Imagine the impact this book could have on your life….”

Another reviewer said ‘A wonderful story of faith and dedication overcoming all obstacles. Full of practical advise and wise instruction. The book invites the reader to ‘dream dreams’ and to live out vision with tenacity and determination. A good hearty read.’ (Pastor Paul Hallam)