Christian Childlikeness

Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch them. But His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me; don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them. – Mark 10:13-16 HCSB

Childlikeness differs from childishness. A person with a childlike attitude is humble while a childish person believes the universe revolves around them. The childlike recognize their immaturity for the weakness it is and quickly turn to God for help and support.

Because Solomon did not lean on his own training and upbringing as a royal prince but instead readily acknowledged his inexperience in leadership, God was pleased and made Solomon the wisest man that ever lived.[1] Solomon probably learned this attitude from his father King David who penned,

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too difficult for me.

Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother;I am like a little child. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, both now and forever. (Psalm 131)

Again we see that childlikeness is related to humility. But we also see that it involves a reluctance to engage in superficially great and complicated things[2] (another indication of humility). It is a calm, quiet reliance upon the Lord, much as a child rests comfortably in the arms of its mother.[3]

Childlikeness is also related to the fact that children, though sinners, are not yet held accountable for their sins[4]. We must humbly come to the Lord, relying upon Elohim to save them and, though yet sinners, have the accountability of their sins removed through the saving efforts of Christ.[5]

Both Paul and Peter further described childlikeness as a purposeful simplicity and downright ignorance in regards to sinful behavior and thinking.[6] In this, they echo the teaching of our Lord when He said we should be “shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.”[7]

Humility, dependence upon God, an honest assessment of our knowledge and wisdom, a reluctance to get involved in superficially complex matters, a dependence on the work of Christ for salvation, a cultivated sense of innocence, matched by a constant development of wisdom and knowledge. This is the essence of Christian childlikeness. This should be our goal in personal development.

[1] 1 Kings 3:5-14
[2] Titus 3:9
[3] Psalm 131
[4] 2 Samuel 12:23; Exodus 30:14; Numbers 14:29; Deuteronomy 1:39
[5] Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17
[6] 1 Corinthians 14:20; 1 Peter 2:1-3
[7] Matthew 10:16