CHILDREN / CHILDLIKE / CHILDREN OF GOD
Throughout Scripture, we see that children hold a special place in God’s heart. Jesus welcomed little ones, saying “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14). God entrusts children to parents as a sacred responsibility, calling us to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).
The Bible highlights several key characteristics of children that believers are called to emulate:
1. Innocence and purity of heart
2. Humility and lack of pride
3. Trust and dependence on their parents
4. Living in the present moment
5. Wonder and awe at the world around them
6. Openness to learning and new ideas
7. Quick to forgive and reconcile
Jesus emphasized the importance of childlike faith, telling His disciples, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3). This doesn’t mean being childish or immature, but rather approaching God with the trust, humility and wonder of a child.
Becoming Children of God
While the Israelites were called God’s children in the Old Testament, the New Testament reveals that through faith in Christ, all believers become adopted children of God. As John writes, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12).
This divine adoption gives us incredible privileges:
1. Intimacy with God as our Father (Rom 8:15)
2. The indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal 4:6)
3. Inheritance as co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17)
4. God’s loving discipline (Heb 12:7-11)
5. Eternal security (Jn 10:28-29)
But it also comes with responsibilities to live as obedient children who reflect our Father’s character.
REFLECTION
As believers, we are called to:
1. Cultivate childlike faith, approaching God with trust, wonder and humility.
2. Care for children and the vulnerable as a reflection of God’s heart. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5).
3. Embrace our identity as God’s beloved children, living in the security of His love and provision.
4. Grow in spiritual maturity while maintaining childlike qualities in our walk with God.
5. Extend God’s family by sharing the gospel so others can be adopted into His household.
May we never lose the childlike awe of our salvation, marveling that the God of the universe calls us His sons and daughters. Let us live each day secure in our Father’s love, dependent on His grace, and eager to do His will. As we do, we’ll reflect the heart of our Savior who said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14).