November 23

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!” — Matt 18:3

Our great Teacher spoke strong words, when he said that only those who become like little children, can enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is of vital importance that we learn just what the words mean. What is it–to become like a little child?

There is a legend of a man whom the angels loved, and wished to have honored in some way. They asked that some remarkable power might be bestowed upon him. They were told to learn what the man would choose. But he would make no choice. Pressed to name some new power which should be given him, he said he would like to do a great deal of good in the world–without even knowing it. So it came about, that whenever his shadow fell behind him–it had healing power—but when it fell in front of him—it had not this power.

This is Christlikeness, goodness, power to do good, usefulness, helpfulness, without being conscious of the possession of these qualities. Ambition to have distinction, craving for praise, consciousness of being good, bright, useful, or great–all are marks of a worldly spirit. In another place Jesus said that greatness in his kingdom, is the spirit of unselfish serving, desiring “not to be served unto–but to serve.” He who serves others the most unselfishly–is the greatest Christian.