“You act like a child!”
Most often when we hear those words they are not complimentary. Someone is telling us, only in different words, to grow up. Acting like a child-a baby-is not very adult-like.
But several times Jesus tells His disciples/us to act like children. One example is found in Matthew 18:1-4
About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.’ (NLT)
The disciples, like many of us, were oblivious to what Jesus was saying. They even argued over who was the most important. Two of them (James and John) had their mother go to bat for them for better seats in the kingdom. The correct words were “one on your right and one on your left.” AKA “places of honor.”
Jesus was not into games. The game of who was up and who was down was not even in his sights. As it did with the early disciples (they argued), so it does still today. This one upmanship only breeds competition and strife. What Jesus shows and says is that true greatness is always led by humility. The phrase “a little child shall lead them” comes to mind.
A person truly worth admiring doesn’t need or want to toot his/her own horn. Humility just goes about and does its own thing…without fanfare, competition, or strife.
I’ve always loved that scene in the NT when Jesus takes the child and demonstrates in such a dramatic way to His disciples what being a servant/leader in God’s kingdom truly entails, Bill. Thanks for reminding us on this Lenten Eve how crucial it is for us to serve the Lord with humble hearts. Blessings!
You’re welcome Martha. I must confess that the timing of my devotion and Lent never crossed my mind, but you brought it in beautifully. Thanks.
Watched/Listened to a round table that touched on a similar topic for a portion of the conversation this morning. Specifically motive. Why do we do what we do? Is it to not be a disappointment? is it to be seen? Is it to build something larger? Or is it to point people to Christ? I think it is something worth asking ourselves on a very regular basis. After all, Lucifer’s fall was tied directly to his wanting to be exalted (be seen).
Great point Ryan! Our motives really do cloud our vision a lot. We need to take stock of why we do what we do. Thanks for your input.
Humility is the greatest gift we can give back to our Savior who went to the greatest lengths to save all of us sinners. To often we think of being humble as only an outward event that people see, and we can pride ourselves on false humility. God sees our hearts and motives behind everything, so we have nothing hidden from Him. Lord teach us the true meaning of being humble, and how to honestly and truthfully full fill that calling in our lives.
Totally agree Gail. Humility is definitely a necessary virtue for people to see Jesus in us.