Act like a Child - Martin Wiles

They gathered around their teacher with wide-open eyes, eager to hear what she’d say.

Our annual Vacation Bible School had arrived. Things were a little different this year since our classroom building was under renovation, and we were short on teachers. Our director planned to step in as a teacher, combine two classes, and share her Bible stories in the auditorium.

Following the pledges to the flags and the Bible—and the receiving of the offering—the director dismissed the older children and invited the two younger classes to circle her at the front. Like starving animals, they herded around their teacher. After she settled them down, she began her story. Each night, the process repeated itself with the same anticipation. When question time came, they were eager to respond.

I watched with amazement from the back of the building, thinking how I had never witnessed such a sight with adults—me included. I pondered what happens that causes us to lose our childhood excitement about learning about Jesus and being his followers. But Jesus says if we’re to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must become like a little child.

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

~Matthew 18:3 NLT

Acting like a child means having childlike faith. When the leader told the story of Jonah and the great fish, the children didn’t question whether the event was actual or a legend. Nor did they debate whether it was a large fish or a whale. They took the story at face value and learned the lessons: disobedience has consequences, and Jesus wants us to obey Him.

Acting like a child also involves giving our all: money, time, and possessions. Boys and girls competed to see who could bring the most change. The charitable organization that their money would support had been announced the first night. Though competition drove the total, the children gave to help others.

Further, acting like a child entails never losing the excitement over serving and learning about Jesus. Some of the children attended church regularly; others never went. Regardless, they were all excited to hear and understand. God wants us to grow in our relationship with him—getting more rather than less excited as time marches on.

When it comes to serving Christ, act like a child.

Father, help me never lose my excitement over being your child and maturing in my walk with you.

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