Childish or Childlike

Today’s scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):

Sunday was World Missions Day. This week, we are asking everyone to pray for LifeJourney Missions Global Outreach programs. I hope this devotional will remind you that, though “We Walk in Beauty”, LifeJourney Church provides shoes for Native American children who could not go to school without them. We also provide funds to native elders so they can have their medicine and food, especially during the difficult cold months during the year.

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.

One of my clearest recollections as a child was on my tenth birthday. For some reason, the idea of having two places to delineate my age made me feel almost grown up. I was no longer a child; I was in double digits! When anyone asked what birthday I was celebrating, I proudly proclaimed “It’s my tenth birthday.” And they would dutifully exclaim, “My, you are growing up.”

Even though I did not want to be a child, today’s passage admonishes us to receive the kingdom of God as a little child. That does not mean we are to be childish — that is, infantile, immature, silly, juvenile, or foolish. Instead, we are to be childlike — that is, innocent, trusting, and authentic.

Before this passage, Jesus’ disciples were having a pretty tough time. They could not cast out an evil spirit, they could not or would not understand what Jesus was saying when he foretold his death, and they were arguing about who was the greatest among them. It was then that Jesus said, “Hey, listen, don’t be childish; you need to be childlike. You need to put your petty complaints and competitiveness aside if you want to receive the kingdom God.”

Prayer for the day: God, as children fully expect their parents to love and care for them, help me to fully expect you to love and care for me. I am your child, not because I am immature or incapable but because I am beloved. Amen.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.