Like a little child

[K. Ayato]

Taken from my LiveJournal.

Just something I've been meditating on. Several times in the Gospels, Jesus tells the people that they should come to Him as a little child. I used to wonder what that phrase meant. But then I started thinking "He meant AS a child, a comparison. Jesus did not say to BECOME a child."

So what then did it mean to become as a child? Well, maybe we should step back and see how children are like in general. I've compiled a list of a few things that came to me in regards to how a child is compared to an adult, in light of what Jesus was teaching.

1. Innocent--A child usually has no ideas or presuppositions of what the outside world is like. That doesn't necessarily mean that the child is ignorant of the world. He or she may very well have some knowledge of what the world is like, but because of age and lack of experience does not have his or her own personal opinion of the world.

2. Submissive--A child does what he or she is instructed to do and does his or her best to follow those instructions. The child also tries hard to avoid performing behaviors that lie outside a given set of rules.

3. Has an assurance of safety--Whenever the child is afraid, there is usually a sense of safety that Mommy and Daddy won't let anything bad happen in that situation. Children also usually look up to their fathers as a hero that fights off the bad guys. Whenever things look bad, Daddy can solve them because he's strong and in control.

4. Has no reservations--This goes along the lines of both innocence and submission. When Daddy asks the child to do something, they usually don't question the why of it or have their own ideas of what he is saying. It's simply "because Daddy said so and he's the one in charge".

Looking through this list, I can now understand better what Jesus was talking about. The last item really struck home. As adults, we usually respond in a reserved manner when someone or even the Lord asks us to do something. We may question why, or ask what the end result may be, or even challenge the authority of the one who has made that request. Not usually so with a child. When asked to do something, they generally get down to doing it almost as soon as the request is given.

So the way I see it, when Jesus was using the phrase "like a little child", He was referring to trusting Him wholeheartedly with the innocence of a young one and knowing everything is under His control and not holding back.

[rocklobster]

Good thoughts, K. I like the way you outlined it and I think you understand fully what was meant.
BTW, I think the mods should move this to a more religious setting.

[Momo-P]

While I always understood what Jesus meant by that, I'm totally happy you posted this. It's not only nice to know that you understand it, but it's also nice because I love this portion of the Bible. So many people may want to pick on me because I'm very quiet, submissive and childish, but I always find comfort in that, that's how God would rather me be.

...not to mention it's just way more fun. I don't like bothering myself with problems. I can live with "Don't get it? Don't worry about it, just let Daddy handle it". xD

[K. Ayato]

Mods, go ahead and move this if necessary.

[wingedfox]

this was a really good post. I like seeing stuff like this and it helps ppl to understand what Jesus meant. to be like a good little child and not what some ppl think as being a snooty brat.