But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:16,17 ESV)
Children and Love
Children are better than adults at some things. Kids are better present openers. Kids are better laughers. Kids are better imaginers. Kids are better vacationers. Kids are better dog-huggers. Kids are better best friends. Kids are better ice-cream-gorgers.
And most of all, kids understand love better than adults do.
Without trying to create heroic figures of our sweet little rug-rats, Jesus saw something about children in general that He draws to our attention. When Jesus advised His listeners to become like children to enter God’s Kingdom, He was not referring to their grubby hands. Jesus was not advising us to constantly try to push back bedtime. Jesus did not want His disciples to be selectively deaf when it comes to chores, plate-cleaning, or avoiding wearing nice clothes.
He certainly did not want us to whine more than we already do.
Jesus was referring to children’s grasp of love.
Children accept love better than adults. As we grow older, we become cynical, selfish, and stupid when it comes to being loved. Maybe we have been hurt too often. Maybe we have ridden that love-coaster to the point of sickness. Maybe the lies in our ears have outnumbered the dulcet tones of trustworthiness.
Children also love better than adults. The younger they are, the less conditions they attached to a decision to love. The younger they are, the more readily they seem willing to give, to listen, to trust, to serve, to help, to share, to forgive, to forget, and even to believe.
In these ways, we should strive to grow down instead of up.
In the ways of love, we should become childish instead of “mature.”
Take the love God grants us.