Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
An Identity Crisis Hurts Men and Families
Be Childlike, Not Immature: Embracing Childlike Faith and Humility
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25 NIV).
One of the most cherished Scriptures in the Bible is, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus clearly demonstrated a deep love for children. He wants us to embrace childlike faith and humility because children are naturally eager to learn. As followers of God, we must strive to know Him and seek His face through study, worship, tithing, prayer, and service.
Jesus encourages us to be willing listeners, eager learners, and open to suggestions and corrections from others. Proverbs 12:15 teaches, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” A teachable spirit recognizes that no one can know everything about every subject. Life is too short to learn solely from personal experience—it’s wiser to learn from the experiences of others.
The Greatness of Childlike Faith and Humility
Jesus likens greatness to childlikeness. Anyone approaching Him must do so with absolute childlike faith and humility. Jesus lovingly referred to His disciples as “my children” (John 13:33), and the apostle John extends this affectionate address to us as well. Proverbs 15:12 states, “Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser.” Pride makes us act like we know it all, which is not a fruit of the Spirit—it’s immature and the opposite of childlike faith and humility.
A true disciple of Jesus follows Him in complete dependency and humility, seeking to bring others—regardless of age—closer to Him. This is the essence of childlike faith and humility. Jesus’ embrace of His disciples as “my children” is a reminder of the loving relationship He desires with us.
Choosing Humility Over Pride
What is our response when someone shows us a better way or points out a mistake? Do we respond graciously, appreciating their guidance, or do we become defensive? Each of us faces a choice: to be humble and receptive to learning and correction, or to remain immature and prideful.
God loves all of His children, regardless of their maturity, but He desires us to be teachable. He wants us to continually learn about Him as He reveals Himself to us. To keep learning about God, we must maintain a childlike heart. The more we understand Him, the more we comprehend His will for our lives and the joy that awaits us when we live in the Spirit.
Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for being our Good Father. May we always approach you with the curiosity of children that seek to be clay in your hands. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Who Do You Trust?
Who Do You Trust? “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT). Many years ago, I was an undergraduate student. I took a few Philosophy courses to fulfill the degree requirements in liberal arts. I loved the classes because they forced me to attempt a deeper level of understanding. One class was on Logic and Reasoning and we (students) were given an... -
If You Want God’s Mercy, Then Give Mercy to God’s Children
If You Want God’s Mercy, Then Give Mercy to God’s Children “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7 NLT). We all sin and want mercy. God is quick to forgive and offer mercy when we approach Him with an earnest desire to repent from our sin. Why is it then that as children of God we are so reluctant to offer mercy to our brothers and sisters in Christ? Yes, forgiveness is not easy, but nobody ever promised us that a life with God would be easy. Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who... -
Book Review: Overcoming Racial And Cultural Barriers To Disciple Men by Rev. Elmo Winters
Book Review: Overcoming Racial And Cultural Barriers To Disciple Men by Rev. Elmo Winters “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26 KJV). Each generation faces unique challenges that historians use to define that time period or generation. There are some challenges that seem to transcend time and linger from one generation to the next. The issue of race is as old as the Biblical story of the Samaritan woman at the well that encounters...