Being Child-Like

There is something beautiful about the innocence of a child. Adorable little wonders that they sometimes are, they generally have a level of trust that most adults can only recall from memory. A parent could put a child on a pedestal, and the child would eagerly jump into the arms of the parent, just because the parent said they should. In healthy relationships between parent and child, there is unwavering trust. The parent is the authority, and the child will often adapt his or her behavior to what it is taught to be right or wrong. Why? Simply a matter of trust.

I believe it is that level of trust that we, as children of God, should bring into our relationship with Him. I love that when Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, the first two words He used were "Our Father". Of course most of us have repeated that prayer a thousand times over, yet have we ever stopped to consider the profoundness of the address? "Our Father" challenges the child of God into a relationship of intimacy and trust. We come to Him with child-like innocence that reflects our awareness that He not only loves us, but also has our best interest at heart. When the veil of the temple was shattered on Crucifixion Day, I believe God was throwing the doors to His inner chamber wide open and inviting us to come in. Like a child running into his parents' bedroom, jumping in bed and snuggling between Mom and Dad, so God invites us - His children - to come boldly into His Holy of Holies.

Maybe that was why when the disciples tried to rebuke the children from His presence, Mark wrote that He was much displeased and said unto them, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein" (10:14-16). Unwavering faith, trust, and confidence in the parent goodness and goodwill are qualities most children will possess. I strongly believe those are the very same things that God desires from us in our relationship with Him. "Our Father"; wonderful words indeed.