Lessons We Can Learn From Children

One does not have to be a scientist to understand the ways of children. After all, weren’t we all a child at one time? I find it interesting that our Lord praised the behavior of children to His disciples. He said, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15, ESV). If one has to act like a child in order to enter the kingdom of God (aka the church, e.g. Matthew 16:13-19), then it would do us well to investigate applicable behaviors of children to see how one enters the kingdom. 

First, children depend on their parents. Once a baby comes into this life, it is totally dependent upon its parents for its survival. It depends on its parents for food, cleanliness, clothing, warmth, comfort, etc. Their dependence on their parents creates a trust that will turn them towards their parents in nearly every situation – when they hurt, when they’re hungry, when they’re sad, and in every negative situation. Like children, we too need to be dependent and trusting upon Christ if we want to Enter the Kingdom of God (e.g. Mark 10:23-27; Proverbs 3:5-6).

Second, children mimic their parents. Because of the child’s trust and dependence upon its parents, the child learns to identify itself as a part of the family, hence, mimicking the parent’s actions.  I’m sure those with kids can agree with this statement. How many times have you seen your little child dress the way you dress, or say the things you say? Like children, we too need to mimic the actions of Christ and live as He lived if we want to Enter the Kingdom of God (e.g. John 8:12; 13:13-17; 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6).

Third, children are loyal to their parents. Because of the above reasons, a child learns to be loyal to its parents. The child gets proud of its parents and stands up for them, defends, loves, and respects them. Like children, we too need to be loyal to Christ if we want to Enter, or might I say Remain, in the Kingdom of God (e.g. John 15:1-11).

                We have to ask the question though, why? Why do children depend, trust, mimic, and why are they loyal to their parents? The answer is, because their parents provide, take care, cherish, and are sacrificial for them. Really, the answer is because they first loved the child, not the other way around. It is the same with Christ. He first loved us (e.g. Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 4:19), and has provided a way for us to be saved. We can only be saved if we go to Him as a humble child with reliance on Him for salvation, trust that He will give us this, mimicking our lives after His, and remaining loyal to Him as our Savior.