THE CHILD’S HEART

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 18:2-3 NKJV)

Our Lord bids us to seek the child’s heart! Not to be childish, but childlike! It is recorded of the illustrious soldier, Naaman, that after he had washed in the Jordan waters, his flesh came to him as that of a little child. It is a noble combination, the stature and strength of the full grown man united with the winsome purity and sweetness of a little child. It is not possible for any one of us to attain these two qualities unless we are prepared to pay the price. The orders of rank in the kingdom of heaven are diametrically opposed to those of our earthly kingdoms. Here men are ever striving to rise above their fellows; but in Christ's kingdom they stoop to serve, and in stooping become crowned!

The King of glory girded Himself with a towel, and kneeling down washed the feet of His disciples, and the nobles in His kingdom are those who have become willing to be the servants of all!

Simplicity, humility, and freedom from self consciousness are the natural traits of early childhood. Isn’t it sad that they so quickly learn from us to seek for notice, patronage, and the first place! How happy that little one was as he nestled to the Savior’s heart! Three times over in this chapter the Master speaks about "these little ones." How dearly He loved the children, and each time must have pressed the child closer to Himself! It was thus that like came to like!

It is the childlike hearts that agree on earth in the symphony of prayer. One may go East and the other West, but beneath the touch of the Spirit of love, they will be of one accord, i.e. in attuned fellowship with each other and with Christ.  “Again I say  to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."  (Matthew 18:19-20 NKJV)  The child spirit, also, will be willing to forgive and forget.  "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:15 NKJV)

PRAYER

Grant, heavenly Father, that I may become as a little child in Your kingdom. May my heart be filled with Your love, my lips with gentle, helpful words, and my hands with kind, unselfish deeds.  I plead it in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #94:
I created all things for My pleasure.

Revelation 4:11 (WEB)
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One,
to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things,
and because of your desire they existed, and were created!”