Children Of God

And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” (Mark 10:13-16)
Have you ever wondered the value of this exchange found in the New Testament?  Just about any other Bible reference to  spiritual development demands a need for maturity, so why the emphasis on childlikeness? 
I am not sure that I have the all the answers for why Jesus encouraged His disciples to take on the attitudes of children, but I think that I have come to appreciate one of them – simplicity.  It is easy for me to get “wrapped around the axle” about too many things.  Politics, social issues, church disputes as well as physical and fiscal concerns can be overwhelming.  That’s when I need a visit from our “girls”!  Ashanti and Candice are in the first and second grades so their world revolves around LOL Big Sisters, American Girl dolls, Elena Of Avalor and My Little Pony.  An exciting day for them is playing in the park with Grandma or tickling the hair the back of Grandpa’s neck to see if they can get him to laugh.  To them, high-brow humor is the newest knock-knock joke or the epic movie “Captain Underpants”.  They laugh at silly stuff and cry when people around them are sad.  For me, it is easy to set aside the issues of the day when I get a chance to spend time with the girls.  They bring a sense of innocence, simplicity and focus to my life.
Recently, as I looked forward to a visit from the girls, I thought about how much I needed a break from the “realities” of my life – then it dawned on me – isn’t that also a function of the church?  While the Lord’s church exists in the world, it is not a part of the world.  Even though our church building is located on a very busy street in a bustling part of town, within these walls we find a simpler life.  Sure, the complexities of spiritual living can baffle the most brilliant minds, but the ability to feel love, peace, fellowship from our brethren provides us with an oasis that brings life-giving refreshment.  The worship we offer to God is so unassuming and heartfelt that it restores our soul.
Are we taking our lives too seriously?  Do we need a break from the urgent in an effort to refocus on the important?  We should wear the label “children of God” proudly, because in a sense, that is what Jesus called us to be – children.

Popular posts from this blog

Having A Dream

On August 28, 1963, in Washington D. C., Dr. Martin Luther King addressed the crowd that gathered for the March On Washington For Jobs And Freedom in what became one of the most famous and impassioned speeches during the Civil Rights Era.  The treatise, often referred to as the “I Have A Dream” Speech, addressed King’s assessment of the way African-Americans had been treated and the mission he was on to promote civil equality.  Through the years many people have quoted Dr. King’s remarks and, this weekend, as our nation prepares to honor his memory, I would like share a few of my favorite excerpts:  “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.  I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” … “I have a dre...
Read more

The Uncertainty Of Life

1958 was a challenging year in Cuba.  Revolutionary forces were active throughout the island nation while the ruling dictator, Fulgencio Batista, struggled to maintain control.  In spite of the underlying political tensions Havana continued to be the entertainment capital of the Caribbean.  Hotels, casinos and opulent shows were readily available just a few miles off of the southern coast of Florida.  New Year’s Eve 1958 probably began like many others – a night of celebration, entertainment and debauchery – but before the sun rose on the “Pearl of the Caribbean” the history of the Western Hemisphere was changed forever.  In the early morning hours of January 1, 1959 Batista fled Cuba and opened the door for Fidel Castro to come to power.  I am fascinated by the history of Cuba, especially the first three quarters of the 20 th Century; yet, this event is more than a historical fact, it also offers a spiritual warning:  Life Is Fluid.  It is ...
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible say...
Read more