The Greatest

 I have been dealing with a lot of stress lately.  While God did heal my overwhelming anxiety overall, I still feel some increased stress and worry at times, due to situations that pop up.  I have also been feeling really distracted lately. There is just simply too much to do all the time and I have been feeling the weight of it all lately.  It causes me to shut down, which causes problems because I am not completing all the tasks that I need to.  I have not been feeling like I am managing it all well and have felt discouraged about myself and my flaws. 

It is by no coincidence that I was reading the book of Matthew this morning and turned to Chapter 18.   After his disciples asked which people were the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus explained to his disciples in this chapter that children were the greatest people in the kingdom and that we must become like them to enter heaven.  I have heard this verse throughout my life but after rereading it this morning, my mind was a little blown.  We need to think deeply about what this means if we are interested in entering heaven. 

What are the characteristics of children?  What is it about them that makes them special?  Well, for one, they are trusting.  Even after being hurt, they trust those caring for them will protect them.  They easily forgive and move on quickly.  Children are also giving and compassionate.  They will see another child- or even adult- in need and will naturally want to help them.  They are optimistic.  More often than not, they choose to think about the bright side of things and believe that everything will work out in the end.  They are also playful and imaginative.  They spend lots of time playing, having fun, and making up fun situations and stories.  Almost anything is possible for a child. If they have an idea, they truly believe that it can come true. 

In their natural state, unless we have harmed them to the point where they have become hardened and forced to grow up too fast, children exhibit all these characteristics and more.  So, in essence, we need to exhibit these characteristics, as well.  I can tell you that I need to work on all these things!  I am often pessimistic, for example.  I am not playful enough.  I do not trust God enough at times, which causes me to be fearful and uncomfortable.

May the Lord help us all to become more like children.  If we want this for ourselves, if we want to enter the kingdom of heaven- here on earth- or in the spiritual realm once we die- we must pray and ask God to help us to have these characteristics.  As busy adults, it will require us to slow down, remove distractions, and focus on God, our families, and others.  If this sounds daunting to you, take baby steps towards this.  Take one bite out of the elephant, as they say, and do not try to eat the whole thing at once.  Turn off your cell at 8 p.m. each night and spend time reading a book or the Bible from 8 to 9, instead.  Plan to call or get together with one friend once a week to establish and take care of your relationships.  Start volunteering for an organization that has a cause that is dear to your heart.  There are many things that you can do to develop more childlike characteristics, and these are just a few of them.  I encourage you to think about what this means to you.  I am sure that I missed several characteristics that you may be thinking of. Write them down, decide which ones resonate the best with you, and create a plan to work on that for yourself.   I know that I am craving that childlike freedom and carefree mindset, and I am going to ask God daily to help me with this.  Life is too short.  Let’s all get back to the basics and be like children as much as possible!