Children 1. - 5th Nov

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Matthew 18:1-5

It is a great blessing to me to have a child - my son Matthew, who has just turned five. There is the natural parental bond of love, but there is a great challenge too in Matthew’s demands of me. “Daddy can you read me this story….Can we play “Monster Mix Up” (a board game)….Can we go to the park and play with my stomp rocket”. Matthew’s demands make me realize that I am quite selfish. Actually, often I would rather be reading my own book, or watching that programme I promised myself I would watch.

I think that humility is linked to having a servant heart. Often it is only by putting our self importance and interests aside can we begin to approach others on their level, understand their concerns and hurts and then our hearts can be engaged and want to help.

Jesus says by receiving children (meeting them, investing our time, energy, love on them) we receive Him! If we actually believed that, I don’t think we’d have a problem recruiting youth leaders. Jesus also says that by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, looking after the sick, visiting those in prison we do it to him (Matthew 25). God obviously wants us to have servant hearts, and we meet Him in a special way when we serve others.

I believe that the challenge that children bring is a blessing – but having your selfishness pointed out does not feel like a blessing at the time! Hopefully it’s helping me on a road to more humility and service.