CHILDLIKE FAITH
"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." Mark 10:15
Children. They are such a great gift from God. Debbie and I have been blessed with three wonderful girls and two precious granddaughters. We wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world.
During the earthly ministry of Jesus, He took time from His busy day to bless and love on children. He taught His disciples that children matter. In fact, He presented them as an important illustration of saving faith. He said in the most emphatic of terms, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter at all" (Mark 10:15). What did He mean by this stunning declaration?
1. Like a child, saving faith is humble and lowly. Little children are low on the social strata. They are not included in critical discussions because they are just kids who know next to nothing about life. Saving faith is humble and lowly. James 4:6 tells us, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." If you are proud in heart, you will miss out on the kingdom. There are no peacocks in heaven, strutting around in their arrogance saying, "Look at me!" There are only those gratefully singing, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!"
2. Like a child, saving faith is helpless and dependent. Little children cannot make it in this world. They are totally dependent on someone to feed them, clothe them, care for them, and provide for them. So it is with saving faith. It is totally dependent on Jesus and His salvation. Sadly, so many think they can be saved by their good works. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Those who think their self righteousness fits into the equation are woefully ignorant of the sinfulness of man, the holiness of God, and the unfathomable cost of eternal salvation. Saving faith recognizes its helplessness and utter dependence on Jesus Christ.
3. Like a child, saving faith is trusting and believing. Children are naturally very trusting. They tend to believe what adults tell them. They are not jaded, cynical, or suspicious. God wants us to be that way with our faith. He wants us to take Him at His word without discussion, argument, or the need for further proof. Jesus told doubting Thomas, "Be not unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27). When we truly believe God, as evidenced by our actions, then and only then do we see His glory (John 11:40).
So, as you search your own heart, do you have the faith of a child? Is your faith humble, dependent, and trusting? If not, learn the lesson from Mark 10:15 and get yourself right with the Savior. You will be so glad you did.
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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