A few characteristics of our 4 year old:

•He looks deep into my eyes
•He takes my hand- loves holding my hand
•He lets and loves for me to guide him
•He loves to touch my arm or leg if we are just sitting
•He trusts what I say; takes me at my word
•He is joyful, innocent and depends on me
•He doesn’t hold grudges or stay upset or angry for long; he is very forgiving

In Mark 10, some parents brought their children to see Jesus. The disciples scolded them for bothering Jesus, but when He saw what was happening, Jesus became angry with the disciples and said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” (verse 14)

We cannot come to the Lord for salvation or help without recognizing our need for someone bigger than us. We cannot be saved or walk with Him without humbling ourselves and softening our hearts to accept His grace- once and for all but also for today.

Children are innocent, trusting, forgiving, loving and easily impressionable. Are we this way with the Lord?

Do we readily and happily seek His help? Do we rely on Him to be our guide? Is His imprint on our life and actions? Do we trust Him wholly?

Ahhhh, that last question as an adult with a lot of “life” experiences may be a hard one.

Life, sin, circumstances, death, etc.. have taken our innocence and shed light on the darkness in ourselves and this place. Experiences that callous our once pliable hearts keep us from getting to and staying in the place where the Lord longs for his children to be— trusting Him.

Are we childlike? Is our faith that of a child? Is salvation at hand- once and for all but also for today?? I have no doubt it can be, and how freeing that will be!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Then He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on their hands and blessed them.” Mark 10:15-16

Lord- thank You for these words and for Your ever-present love and grace in our lives. Help our hearts be humble, soft and drawn to You and nothing else. Help us to be 30, 40, 60, 90-year old children who look deep into Your Word and trust You no matter what. Help us to stay on your lap and not the lap of the world. Help us to let Your Spirit within guide us and mold us to have child like faith for today and everyday. Thank You for Your Son. In His name I pray, amen.

*This devotional was for my church women’s ministry Mocha Monday devo series.