Strive to Be a Child
[God] has hidden [his works] from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children - Matthew 11:25
As we age we settle into beliefs that become our foundation. The older we get, the more solid this foundation becomes and we become loyal to it at all costs. And because we’re prideful and tend to reinforce our commitments, we attribute wisdom and understanding to them.
In this verse and also later in the gospel of Matthew (18:3-4), Jesus uses children to highlight what faith looks like. Trusting Jesus is a new start, a new life as if you were “born again” – a clean slate. And not just positionally with God (forgiven and adopted); everything is radically new because your soul has been opened to what it means to have Jesus as your foundation.
Here’s the thing, new to the gospel or a seasoned veteran, our understanding is deficient if the gospel doesn’t produce humility. The foundation of this world is self-determination and power. The foundation of the kingdom is Jesus. Not our merit but His.
Moving away from earthly programming can only be done if our new foundation is strong – focus on Jesus. He’s the answer.
Merciful Father, you are wisdom and understanding – not me. I’m still proud even in my foolishness – I’m sorry. Thank you for being so patient. I’m like a two-year-old. Please change me. I can’t have more of you when I’m full of myself. Open the gospel to me in new ways. Amen
Song: Wonderful Merciful Savior