Be Like a Child
On Tuesday nights I take my kids to a church service which is specifically geared to kids. It is in the middle of Utica, right in the section where most of the shootings and violence happens.
The reality is, it is an inner city outreach. To my kids, it is a worship service on their level; made up of things that attract them, and they can easily understand, as well as an opportunity to show kids who may not be as well off, or come from a stable family, the love of God and what true friendship is.
When I first started going, I was amazed at how easily these kids accept the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God. I was surprised at how quick they are to pray for each other, lay hands on each other, and encourage each other.
Last night it dawned on me- why should I be amazed at the faith of children, when Jesus told us adults to be like them?
Sometimes us adults think that we need to teach the children how to worship God. But in all honesty, they are more free to express themselves in worship, than I ever remember being. They are more honest with God, in front of all their friends, than I have been, at times, in private.
I have decided that I want to do Matthew 18:3.
I want to be like a little child, and worship freely, give unreservedly, pray fervently, and not hold back in sharing my faith.
Children may need us to teach them about the truth of God, but we also need them to teach us about how to look at God as our daddy, and how to worship in Spirit and in Truth.
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