We're So Smart

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them.  But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples.  He said to them, “Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. [Mark 10.13-16]

We all like to think we are smart - especially those of us who take it upon ourselves to write our thoughts down on a daily basis as if we know or have learned something.

I am moved today by Jesus' discussion about children.  They don't have a clue.  They simply do what Mom amd/or Dad set out for them each day, eating what's provided, sleeping when they're put to bed, washing their hands when they're told, and being educated whether they like it or not.  They can't be relied on and, if candy or puppies are involved, they probably can't be trusted.  Again, children basically don't have a clue.

So, why did Jesus put so much emphasis on being like children when it comes to the Kingdom of God?  Perhaps the most complicated and misunderstood topic of all time, Jesus entrusts to children.

It is time we re-think...  Or better yet, maybe it's time we stop thinking and simply start believing (just like a silly little child would do).  Maybe when we think the Spirit is telling us to go right, we should simply make the right-ward adjustment and then consider whether or not there is a path.  It just sounds so dangerous.

The problem with adults is that we think we are in control of ourselves.  Unlike a child who, for the most part, doesn't really have to consider consequences because some adult will intervene (grab them out of harm's way, etc.).  No, as adults, we think our general well-being is in our control - that our fate is in our hands.  We give no thought that God wants to be our overseer, with us relying on Him for our every need - be it lunch, a bath, "sleepy-time", or what we will do today.  He wants our lives to be uncomplicated - but it seems we feel the need to be smart enough to complicate them all up!  Yep, we are really smart.

Not.

Father, please forgive me for trying to be so smart - so adult.  Help me as I try to look to you as a child looks to a parent.