“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 18:2-5, NIV
Musicians at a drum circle in downtown Asheville, North Carolina played a delightful rhythm that made me feel like dancing. But as I looked at people in the gathered crowd, no one was dancing except a few little children. The music continued, and I continued to feel compelled to dance. Yet, I resisted doing so. I worried how I might embarrass myself if I became the only adult dancing. Then, an apparently homeless woman showed up with her shopping cart of belongings, took out a drum, and joined the other musicians to play.
Some of the adults looked away as if they were uncomfortable. But one of the little children moved straight in front of the woman and danced joyfully to her music. The woman, too, looked joyful as she saw that child and the others dancing. It was then that I remembered God was there with us all. Feeling a sense of wonder, I stepped out to dance along with the children – no matter what other people may have thought of me.
In the stress of our adult lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple marvels that once captivated us as children. Yet, in the book of Matthew, Jesus calls our attention to the profound significance of childlike wonder. He calls us to embrace the curiosity, kindness, and unassuming faith that characterize the hearts of children.
Jesus isn’t advocating for a regression to childish behavior but rather a transformation in our hearts. Imagine a child encountering the world for the first time. For that child, every sight, sound, and sensation sparks a sense of awe and fascination. Likewise, in our own spiritual journeys, we can be blessed by approaching God with wide-eyed wonder – as if encountering our wonderful God for the very first time. Childlike wonder is characterized by humility, openness, and a willingness to be amazed. It involves setting aside our preconceived notions and intellectual barriers, allowing ourselves to be enveloped by the mystery and majesty of God’s presence.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, greatness is not measured by worldly standards of success or achievement, but by the state of our hearts. Whoever humbly assumes the lowly position of a child, with innocence and dependence, is deemed great from God’s perspective. As adults, we often pride ourselves on our knowledge and understanding, yet Jesus reminds us that true wisdom lies in embracing the simplicity of childlike wonder. It’s not about how much we know, but about how deeply we are willing to trust and believe. Pursuing wonder strengthens our faith by giving us glimpses of God’s work in our lives. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of welcoming others with the same spirit of love and acceptance that children do. By doing so, we open ourselves up to encountering God’s presence in unexpected ways.
So, how do we cultivate childlike wonder in our spiritual lives?
First, we must approach God with a sense of curiosity and expectancy, eagerly anticipating the ways we can learn more about God. Like children eagerly awaiting the unveiling of a gift, we should approach prayer and meditation with a sense of anticipation, ready to be surprised by what God shows us. Then we must cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing our own limitations and surrendering our need for control. Just as children trust implicitly in the care of loving parents, our Heavenly Father calls us to entrust ourselves completely to his loving care. Finally, we need to develop an attitude of gratitude, finding joy in the simple blessings that surround us each day. Whether it’s the beauty of nature, the warmth of human connection, or the reassurance of God’s presence, there is always something to be thankful for if we see it through the eyes of childlike wonder.
Dear God, thank you for the gift of childlike wonder, which reminds me of the beauty and mystery of your creation. Help me to approach you with humility and openness, like a little child eager to explore the wonders of your love. Teach me to trust in your guidance and to find joy in the simple blessings of life. May I welcome others with the same love and acceptance that you have shown me, reflecting your grace and goodness to the world around me. I love you, God. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©ChristinLola
Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on X/Twitter.
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