April 4

The Child Heart

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. — Matt 18:2-3 BSB

Our Lord calls us to seek a childlike heart, not to be childish, but childlike! It is written of Naaman, the great soldier, that after washing in the Jordan, his flesh became like that of a little child. This is a beautiful combination—the strength and stature of an adult with the purity and simplicity of a child. But we cannot attain this combination without being willing to pay the price. The values in the Kingdom of Heaven are the opposite of the values on earth. In this world, people strive to rise above others, but in Christ’s Kingdom, we humble ourselves to serve, and in doing so, we are lifted up.

The King of Glory wrapped Himself in a towel and washed His disciples' feet, and the greatest in His Kingdom are those who are willing to serve everyone.

Simplicity, humility, and freedom from self-consciousness are the natural traits of childhood. Sadly, children soon learn from us to seek attention, approval, and first place. How joyful that child must have been, nestled in the Savior’s arms! Jesus spoke three times in this chapter about "these little ones." He loved them dearly, and each time He must have drawn the child even closer to Himself—like attracted to like!

It is the childlike heart that prays in harmony with others. Though one may go East and the other West, they remain in unity through the Spirit of Love, being of one accord (Matthew 18:19-20). A childlike spirit is also quick to forgive and forget (Matthew 18:15, 21, 22).

Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that I may become as a little child in Your Kingdom. Fill my heart with Your love, my lips with gentle, helpful words, and my hands with kind, unselfish deeds. Amen.