Childlike Faith

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   We are waist-deep into the busyness of the summer. Currently, our church is hosting the community Vacation Bible School. This year for the first time we are using the Answers in Genesis curriculum, the Great Jungle Journey. Our sanctuary is all decorated up to look like an Amazonian rainforest, complete with a flat-bottomed boat. It is encouraging to remember how valuable children are in God's sight.

   As I was thinking about the kids who will be running around the church this week, I was reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 10:13-16: "And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter at all.' And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them." 

   What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child? What comes to mind for me is uncomplicated simplicity. As people grow into adulthood, we have a tendency to overthink things. Our education often clouds our minds and makes us think that the gospel is much more complex than it really is. This is does not mean that it is simplistic or childish, however. John MacArthur, who just went home to be with the Lord, once said, "You can't confuse childlike faith with childish thinking." Childlike faith receives the truths of the gospel as they have been presented in Scripture. It doesn't complicate them or try to explain them away. It understands simply that what Christ said and did is what He meant to say and do. 

   I love how Matt Boswell and Matt Papa put it in their song, "With Simple Faith." "With simple faith and childlike trust, oh see the Father's love displayed. 'Tis written there upon the cross where payment for our sin was made. Only trust him, only trust Him. Turn to Jesus now. He will save you, He will save you, with simple faith and childlike trust." As we meditate on the gospel today, let's do so with simplicity, knowing that our gracious heavenly Father has called us through the Holy Spirit to receive the sufficient work of His Son Jesus. Let us take a lesson from the kids and receive the kingdom of God like a child.