A child’s infinite understanding.

Scripture:

“And [Jesus] 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)

Application:
Ever sit down, talk, and really listen to a five-year old? It can be mind-boggling…and soul-freeing.

• Heaven. A kite takes off from the ground and soars high. “It’s flying high into the heavens,” you say. The kid squats, touches a blade of grass, and raises her finger steadily. “Stop me when I reach the place where heaven starts.”   A scripture pops into your head. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:11)

 

• Space. “We’re going on a road trip,” you say. “We’ll take the highway and drive east.” The child draws an imaginary line up and down in the air. “Is this the place where east and west meet?” And yes, you think scripturally. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

 

• Time. “We have to leave, because we don’t have much time,” you say. She asks, “when will time run out?” The scripture again stirs within you. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:17)

Digging Deeper:
God’s love, capacity to forgive, and compassion are beyond the adult brain to comprehend. We are trapped in our own consciousness. Only a child can grasp its immensity. (Matthew 18:3) Believe in God as a child believes in the infinite.