Stay childlike (1)

We may not be 100% comfortable with hanging around children, but we can always learn something from them. They have a reckless innocence that we could all do with more of. Jesus knew it. He said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven' (Matthew 18:3 NIV).

Children don't need to feel like they have it all sorted. Rather than worry what people think of the toys they left all over the living room, they're focused on the joy they get from playing with them. We reckon it's about time we shake off the self-consciousness that asks, 'But what will people think?' and live life in the way that God frees us up to do. This includes showing grace and not worrying about always being 'right'. Sometimes, the worry about saying or doing the right thing can sap the innocent, child-like joy of telling people about Jesus.

A couple of questions: Are we known for showing grace or always being right; for our joy or always having it together?



So what now? Choose one to do this week: (1) play on a playground; (2) buy something from an ice cream van; (3) have a water fight. Extra points if you have a child with you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Children are a gift from God.' Psalm 127:3 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

Num 3:1-4:33, Luke 6:1-16, Ps 104:1-23, Pro 3:9-10