Growing in Childlike Greatness
Growing in Childlike Greatness: A Path to Spiritual Maturity
In our journey of faith, we often encounter a paradox: to become truly great in God's kingdom, we must embrace the qualities of a child. This concept of "childlike greatness" is not about immaturity or naivety, but rather about cultivating a pure, humble, and trusting relationship with our Heavenly Father.
The call to greatness is not about worldly success or recognition. Instead, it's an invitation to grow closer to God and to embody the characteristics that Jesus himself exemplified. As we explore this concept, let's consider three key traits that mark a believer who is growing in childlike greatness.
1. A Growing Confidence in God's Protection
Imagine a small child nestled safely in their father's arms, completely at peace and unafraid of the world around them. This is the kind of trust and confidence we're called to have in our Heavenly Father's protection.
In Matthew 18:6-7, we're reminded of the seriousness with which God views the protection of His "little ones" - those who have humbly come to faith in Him. The imagery used is stark: it would be better for someone to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the sea than to cause one of God's children to stumble.
This doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or difficulties. Rather, it means that as we grow in our faith, we develop an unshakeable confidence that God is always with us, protecting and guiding us through every situation. We learn to take everything to Him in prayer, trusting that He will handle our battles far better than we ever could on our own.
Remember the promise in Hebrews 13:5 - "I will never leave you nor forsake you." When we truly internalize this truth, we find a strength and courage that surpasses our own limitations. As Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2. A Willingness to Help Others Recover
As we grow in our faith, we naturally develop a heart for others, especially those who may be struggling or straying from their path. This compassion mirrors the heart of Jesus, who came "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
In Matthew 18:10-14, we're presented with the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd, representing God, leaves the 99 safe sheep to search for the one that has wandered away. When he finds it, he rejoices more over that one than over the 99 that never strayed.
This parable challenges us to look beyond our own spiritual comfort and to actively seek out those who may be drifting away from faith or struggling in their walk with God. It's a call to be part of the "search party" for lost souls, whether they're fellow believers who have become discouraged or those who have never known God's love.
This mission isn't reserved for pastors or church leaders alone. Each of us, as we grow in childlike greatness, should develop a keen awareness of those around us who might need encouragement, support, or a gentle reminder of God's unfailing love.
3. A Growing Bent to Forgive
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of growing in childlike greatness is developing a heart that's quick to forgive. Children, in their innocence, often forgive quickly and completely. As adults, we tend to hold onto grudges and nurture resentments, but this is contrary to the nature of Christ we're called to emulate.
In Matthew 18:21-35, we find Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Peter suggests seven times, thinking he's being generous. Jesus' response is astounding: "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times" - essentially, always.
Jesus then tells a parable about a servant who is forgiven an enormous debt by his master, only to turn around and refuse to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. The message is clear: having been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God, how can we refuse to forgive others?
Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when we've been deeply hurt. But holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It corrupts our own hearts and damages our relationship with God.
As we grow in childlike greatness, we should cultivate a disposition of forgiveness. This doesn't mean we ignore injustice or allow ourselves to be repeatedly harmed. Rather, it means we release the burden of resentment and trust God to handle the situation justly.
Practical Steps Toward Childlike Greatness
1. Cultivate Trust: Spend time daily in prayer and meditation on God's promises. When faced with challenges, practice "taking it to the Lord" before trying to solve it on your own.
2. Develop Compassion: Look around your community, workplace, or church. Is there someone who seems to be struggling or drifting away? Reach out with a kind word, an invitation, or an offer of support.
3. Practice Forgiveness: Reflect on areas where you may be holding onto resentment. Ask God to help you release these burdens and to give you the strength to forgive, even when it's difficult.
4. Embrace Humility: Remember that true greatness in God's kingdom often looks very different from worldly success. Seek opportunities to serve others without recognition.
5. Stay Childlike, Not Childish: Maintain a sense of wonder, trust, and openness to God's leading, while continuing to mature in your understanding and application of faith.
As we pursue this path of childlike greatness, we'll find ourselves growing closer to the heart of God. We'll experience a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and joy in our faith journey. And just as a child's face lights up in the presence of a loving parent, we too will radiate the love and light of our Heavenly Father to a world in desperate need of hope.
Let us embrace this call to greatness - not through power, prestige, or performance, but through humility, trust, and a heart that beats in sync with God's own. In doing so, we'll discover the profound truth that in God's kingdom, the path to true greatness often leads us back to the pure, trusting faith of a child.
In our journey of faith, we often encounter a paradox: to become truly great in God's kingdom, we must embrace the qualities of a child. This concept of "childlike greatness" is not about immaturity or naivety, but rather about cultivating a pure, humble, and trusting relationship with our Heavenly Father.
The call to greatness is not about worldly success or recognition. Instead, it's an invitation to grow closer to God and to embody the characteristics that Jesus himself exemplified. As we explore this concept, let's consider three key traits that mark a believer who is growing in childlike greatness.
1. A Growing Confidence in God's Protection
Imagine a small child nestled safely in their father's arms, completely at peace and unafraid of the world around them. This is the kind of trust and confidence we're called to have in our Heavenly Father's protection.
In Matthew 18:6-7, we're reminded of the seriousness with which God views the protection of His "little ones" - those who have humbly come to faith in Him. The imagery used is stark: it would be better for someone to have a large millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the sea than to cause one of God's children to stumble.
This doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or difficulties. Rather, it means that as we grow in our faith, we develop an unshakeable confidence that God is always with us, protecting and guiding us through every situation. We learn to take everything to Him in prayer, trusting that He will handle our battles far better than we ever could on our own.
Remember the promise in Hebrews 13:5 - "I will never leave you nor forsake you." When we truly internalize this truth, we find a strength and courage that surpasses our own limitations. As Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
2. A Willingness to Help Others Recover
As we grow in our faith, we naturally develop a heart for others, especially those who may be struggling or straying from their path. This compassion mirrors the heart of Jesus, who came "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
In Matthew 18:10-14, we're presented with the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd, representing God, leaves the 99 safe sheep to search for the one that has wandered away. When he finds it, he rejoices more over that one than over the 99 that never strayed.
This parable challenges us to look beyond our own spiritual comfort and to actively seek out those who may be drifting away from faith or struggling in their walk with God. It's a call to be part of the "search party" for lost souls, whether they're fellow believers who have become discouraged or those who have never known God's love.
This mission isn't reserved for pastors or church leaders alone. Each of us, as we grow in childlike greatness, should develop a keen awareness of those around us who might need encouragement, support, or a gentle reminder of God's unfailing love.
3. A Growing Bent to Forgive
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of growing in childlike greatness is developing a heart that's quick to forgive. Children, in their innocence, often forgive quickly and completely. As adults, we tend to hold onto grudges and nurture resentments, but this is contrary to the nature of Christ we're called to emulate.
In Matthew 18:21-35, we find Peter asking Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. Peter suggests seven times, thinking he's being generous. Jesus' response is astounding: "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times" - essentially, always.
Jesus then tells a parable about a servant who is forgiven an enormous debt by his master, only to turn around and refuse to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. The message is clear: having been forgiven an immeasurable debt by God, how can we refuse to forgive others?
Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when we've been deeply hurt. But holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It corrupts our own hearts and damages our relationship with God.
As we grow in childlike greatness, we should cultivate a disposition of forgiveness. This doesn't mean we ignore injustice or allow ourselves to be repeatedly harmed. Rather, it means we release the burden of resentment and trust God to handle the situation justly.
Practical Steps Toward Childlike Greatness
1. Cultivate Trust: Spend time daily in prayer and meditation on God's promises. When faced with challenges, practice "taking it to the Lord" before trying to solve it on your own.
2. Develop Compassion: Look around your community, workplace, or church. Is there someone who seems to be struggling or drifting away? Reach out with a kind word, an invitation, or an offer of support.
3. Practice Forgiveness: Reflect on areas where you may be holding onto resentment. Ask God to help you release these burdens and to give you the strength to forgive, even when it's difficult.
4. Embrace Humility: Remember that true greatness in God's kingdom often looks very different from worldly success. Seek opportunities to serve others without recognition.
5. Stay Childlike, Not Childish: Maintain a sense of wonder, trust, and openness to God's leading, while continuing to mature in your understanding and application of faith.
As we pursue this path of childlike greatness, we'll find ourselves growing closer to the heart of God. We'll experience a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and joy in our faith journey. And just as a child's face lights up in the presence of a loving parent, we too will radiate the love and light of our Heavenly Father to a world in desperate need of hope.
Let us embrace this call to greatness - not through power, prestige, or performance, but through humility, trust, and a heart that beats in sync with God's own. In doing so, we'll discover the profound truth that in God's kingdom, the path to true greatness often leads us back to the pure, trusting faith of a child.
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