Entering the Kingdom of Heaven as Little Children

And he said: "I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

People suppose that being innocent and trusting are the traits we must have to be child-like. Yes, consider them right.

However, doesn't it hoop in your mind, how do we become child-like? What are the other typical qualities children have that God yearn us to be similar to them?

"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

Kids believe. Because of their pure heart, they are not concerned about lies, betrayal or deception.

They understand what adults say to them, especially from their own parents. They believe in whatever culture, rituals or routines they grow up with.

They believe without seeing. They believe in fairies and in Santa Clause.

As adults, we must establish the children's faith in God because they believe in what we say. As adults too, we should also have tremendous and unwavering faith that all things are possible like children do.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

For kids, every day is a fresh start. They forget and move on. They do not have regrets about the past, and they do not worry about tomorrow.

Like them, we should be present at the moment. Like part of the Lord's prayer, "Give us today our DAILY bread" which presents us the impression that we should only worry about today, not yesterday nor tomorrow for God provides everything, we only HAVE TO do our part for today's duties.

Like children, we should not carry baggage from one day to the next. Children start fresh every day, all the time.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Children own up to their own faults. Like them, we should learn how to apologize when we hurt or wound someone.

Nowadays, apologizing for some people seem to be unwise and an indication of weakness. However, kids do not care about their self-pride when they know they have done something wrong, they say "I'm sorry" without feeling less or weaker.

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Kids easily forgive. When you forgot to keep your promises or scolded them, they never hold grudges against you.

Unless you keep a habit of doing that to them, they will not only lose their trust in you but also will follow your example. They learn from their experiences, especially at home, so it may be possible they would also grow up to be adults who do not keep their promises too.

Like children, we must set our heart to forgive others who have wounded us. For we have also injured others. We are not perfect; thus, how can we not forgive others if we have our own weaknesses and limitations?

"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you."

Children stay curious. For them, creative pursuits are fun and enjoyable!

For some causes, adults cease to do or even witness creative activities as something sensible. When was the last time you try to learn a new hobby like drawing or painting or also learning a new language?

Kids notice even the little things and ask endless questions about everything. They never tire of learning from new ideas.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

For kids, failure was never an option. They never feel limited because they are not confined by fears of failure or humiliation. It is when they continuously experience being humiliated they suffer their inadequacies.

That's why, as adults, we have to guide them not to be afraid to go beyond their perimeter as long as they continue to live in our Christian values. It is also our responsibility to persuade them to accept failures or humiliation with dignity and courage.

As adults, we fear the unknown, that's why we confine ourselves on our own comfort zone. Even scars from falling down are badges of honour for them.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Children laugh every day. They do not see the misery in daily struggles. They see silliness everywhere.

Why? Because they trust and have faith in the adults around them so they know nothing will bad will happen to them. They are happy every day.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure, you use it will be measured to you.

Children are compassionate by nature. They nurture friendship whether you're old or young, black or white, fat or thin, etc. They discover happiness playing with their friends, and they find it irresistible making new ones.

Children are often free from limits and discrimination. This is also the reason why adults never fail to remind their kids not to talk to strangers because, for them, even strangers are friends.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Lastly, children are not afraid to show they need adults to help them. They know even when they are courageous and optimistic, these kids acknowledge that there are some things they cannot do and are always happy to be helped.

Most adults never ask for help anymore. They do not want to be perceived as weaker than the others or less knowledgeable.

Some adults, with all their successes in their respective lives, have forgotten to pray to God and ask for His wisdom and strength in our daily struggles.

Like children, may we continuously ask for God's guidance in every step of our journey. No matter how successful we are, how rich we are, or how powerful we have become, we nevertheless could do with God's presence in our lives.

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