The Transformed Child

The Encyclopedia of Immaturity: How To Never Grow Up states, “Breathe on the bowl of a spoon, so it gets a little foggy. Lean your head way back and press the spoon on the bridge of your nose. Very slowly, bring your head down and make sure other people are watching (Cassidy 2007).” I reluctantly tried this exercise, and laughed hysterically when I failed.

It amazes me how easy it is to loose the inner child inside of us. Throughout life we focus on finding answers to questions; such as, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “How much money will you make?” “When will you get married?” “How many children will you have?” These questions tend to surface our mind and surround us from individuals within our lives. It is concerning that we focus on mastering adulthood more than mastering childhood. Transforming ourselves into the children God intends for us to be is a lifelong process that deserves great attention.

Jesus proclaims “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-4).” Children are amazing to watch. They do not know what will happen to them that day, week or even month. They embody humility, not control.

It's easy to feel that we will gain a sense of mastery when our career is successful and we have accomplished our goals. These things are healthy to strive for in life, but not necessarily what defines us. Thus, we should ask ourselves how that will advance the kingdom. If it has no place in the kingdom, then we should refrain from claiming that as our completion. John 15:10 explains that, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Finding completion is through God's love, which comes in abundance when we approach Him as His children.

If we are focused on preparing for the kingdom, then shouldn't we be preparing to live like a child? Ask yourself what you can do to help master your childhood. What a privilege we have to be known as children of God! “ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are (1 John 3:1).”