Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Matthew 18:1-4 -- On the Humility of Children

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:1-4


Reading this today makes me think that this is Christ's answer to pride in general.  Presumably that is where we are coming from when we ask that first question, or anytime we seek to show our superiority in any way, all the various righteousness rankings included. :)

And when we are in that mind set, Christ asks us to consider the humility of small children, who definitely act up sometimes, given, but who are also overflowing with love, eager to please, willing to interact with their parents, and who typically haven't yet learned cruelty, manipulation, guilt trips, or holding grudges.

Today, let's work to be amazing by letting go of our pride and trying to unlearn some unfortunate side effects of growing up.  With God's help, let's learn the lessons that it takes to be able to let go of anger and irritation.  Let's work on communicating plainly without negative subtext.  Let's learn to regain some of those positive aspects of childhood and let go of learned behaviors that only hurt us, and the people around us.

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