Scripture: Matthew 18:1-3
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Thought for the Day: These are relatively familiar words to most people, even those who do not know scripture well. Though when asked about the passage, the emphasis tends to be on ‘becoming like a child’, yet to focus only on that phrase is to overlooked the important word: ‘change’. In the Greek, the word is strepho – a word that can be translated as turn, repent or even convert. Jesus recognized that for most people to become like a child will require a dramatic shift in their thinking and their doing. This is moving far beyond simply having a child-like faith. To be a kingdom people, we must be humble in all aspects of life; see the world around us without the skewed perspective that comes with age; be creative and playful and full of wonder. There are days that taking on the heart of a child will require a significant and demanding change. Good thing that God assists in such personal modifications.
Prayer: God of all people, provide me a spirit willing to explore as only a child can do. Push me a bit, Lord, but comfort my anxieties and uncertainties so that joy is what I experience. Amen.
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