top of page
Search

CHILD-LIKE AGAIN

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Oct 11
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

Deuteronomy 32:3-4,7-9

Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14

ree

In most cultures of the world, children are not given a chance. If you remember the event where Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fish, the gospel writer indicated that this number did not include women and children (Matthew 14:21). Why is that? In ancient Israel, women and children were not regarded as of any significance. They are just “add-ons” to a family. The most important member of a home is the man. The home is his territory and responsibility. He provides his presence, protects, and his insight and values guide and shape the family. But Jesus takes this and turns it on its head. When addressing his disciples’ argument about who is the greatest in God’s kingdom, he sets before them a little child.


Jesus says, “I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4). What can a little child possibly teach me, a grown and mature person (supposedly)? A child can teach us humility. For a child, a person is just that—a person. Their economic status, their religious position, their race or skin colour, their political and moral views are secondary and insignificant. Everyone is worthy of love and attention. We were once like this before parental conditioning and societal programming stepped in. Jesus illustrates this child-like trait by telling the story of a joyful owner of ninety-nine sheep who is overjoyed when he finds a lost sheep that makes the number a round figure. This is the way a child thinks. They notice what is missing, the weakest link, the neglected, the overlooked, the stigmatised and marginalised. We calculate and overcalculate how our friendships will “add value” to us, how a collaboration will profit us. We think about what is in it for us. God looks out for the weakest, and because of this, He seeks us every time we go astray. Why? Because He is child-like and He wants us to do the same.


Today, look out for those people and things you easily overlook. Commend your driver. Ask about the well-being of your gate man and his family. Give a tip to a petrol station attendant. Smile at a police man if he stops you. Notice your spouse’s new hairdo and compliment their outfit. Plant seeds for the future. Do not hate what you do not understand. Look out for what others are doing well, and not just what they have failed to do. We all need a little encouragement. This is the secret to true greatness. This is how to be a child again.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

 If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, I am often full of myself and mostly concerned about my wants and needs without giving a thought to those around me. Help me to notice the good in others and commend them.

  2. Give me a spirit of humility and thoughtfulness about the good of others. Amen.

  3. May the Eternal and everlasting Lord hold you by the hand this day.

  4. May He reveal His will and purpose for your life and make His purpose plain to you.

  5. May all that you think, say and do give Him glory and bring you progress, renown and peace through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page