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Recently, I needed to revisit Jesus’ words on becoming like little children. As a tired Early Childhood Educator (specializing in Infants and Toddlers) I can forget why God wants us to become like little children! Perhaps it’s time you had a refresher course on our role in the kingdom of heaven too.
Children’s Needs
Try spending consecutive days and hours with little children—caring for them, teaching them, and being vigilant that they’re not in any danger—or, if they do fall into harm’s way, being available to tend to their needs. This means tending to both their physical and emotional wounds. It’s a workout for both the mind and body! Thus, Early Childhood Educators can become physically and mentally drained.
Context Matters
Thankfully, when we look at things from a spiritual perspective, God does not grow tired or weary as we do. This is good to note! I’ll explain more—but first, let’s revisit Matthew 18:1–4. This is a great passage to demonstrate the importance of context. Lack of background leaves a lot to the imagination. 🤔
In isolation, Matthew 18:3 reads like this:
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”
After a very hectic work week, I have trouble understanding why Jesus wants us to become like little children! I also realize that children are not so innocent or without sin. (I’m laughing as I write this statement.) However, children do have some qualities that adults can definitely lack.
When Jesus made this statement, His disciples were showing their eagerness to become the greatest in the kingdom of God. They revealed that their own power and authority meant a great deal to them. In fact, they were quite envious of one another—to the point of arguing over which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Oh, brother… 🙄
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Matthew 18:1-3 (NIV)
Humble Yourselves
I can assure you that even little children may struggle with their position. They, too, can desire some control and authority. Nevertheless, this control isn’t usually egotistical in nature even though little children are very egocentric. They simply don’t require acclaim the way some adults do. Instead they require love, support and approval from a parent–or teacher–to bolster their sense of well-being.
Furthermore, children in general—especially the smaller and more mild-mannered ones—depend on the adults in the room for guidance and support. They’re eager to try something new and enjoy learning and discovery. Little children are teachable and generally more willing and capable of being influenced for the better. They’re also quick to ask for help when they find a task too challenging. In short, they’re humble. How many of us adults fail to ask for help when we could truly use a hand?
Thankfully, when we’re a handful to God, He’s strong enough to handle the challenge. He keeps working tirelessly to bring us into right standing with Him—by guiding us, teaching and molding us, by parenting us, counseling us, loving us, comforting us, supporting us, and encouraging us every step of the way. What’s our role in the kingdom of God, then? Simply put, it’s to allow Him to do His work in us—and to follow in His footsteps by serving others.
Therefore, humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up—much like ECEs lift the little ones who require our loving assistance.
Thank you for reading. God Bless. 🧡
–Tina
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