Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Ephesians 5:1-2

     There are many places in the Bible that liken Christian behavior to that of a child. Some will say that this contradicts what the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:11. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” However, this is speaking of childish behavior that is foolish. In Ephesians 5 and other portions of the Bible we find some endearing characteristics of children that we are to emulate. Let us explore some of the positive child-like behaviors we are to exhibit as Christians.

     First, we should be followers of God. As we grow older, we are taught to be independent. Well-meaning parents and teachers will often tell us that if we are to be successful in our lives we must learn to look out for Number One. Even the armed forces utilize an ‘army of one’ campaign to seek out potential recruits. The reality is that we cannot be successful in the world--nor can we be acceptable in the kingdom of Christ--if we follow a philosophy of total self-reliance. In our opening scripture reference, Paul writes that we are to be followers of God as children. Children quickly realize their dependence upon their parents or care-givers. I cannot imagine telling my infant son that he has to procure his own food, change his own diaper, and keep himself safe. He has not the ability to do the least of these chores. As he grows older he will learn to become more self-sufficient, but he will continue to look to me as his father for instruction and guidance. This is to be our attitude as Christians.

     Whether we realize it or not, we are wholly dependent upon God. He has saved us eternally by his grace (Ephesians 2:8). We had no strength to save ourselves, yet he died to procure our salvation (Romans 5:6). In like manner we are dependant upon God for our daily needs. In Matthew 6:11 Jesus taught his disciples to pray unto the heavenly father for their daily bread. David exclaimed that the Lord provides us with daily benefits (Psalms 68:19). We are dependent upon him for our very breath. The Lord is both our savior and sustainer. This is why Paul calls for us to be followers of God as children.

     Another childlike behavior that we ought to exhibit is unfeigned love towards one another. Adults will often show kindness towards another as long as it benefits them. Once the other person is of no more use, they are dropped. However, the Bible likens true love to that of a child. One of the wonderful characteristics of children is that their love is without pretension. They unconditionally love their fathers, mothers, and other siblings. When maligned, they are also quick to forgive. How many times do we adults hold foolish grudges for months and years because we refuse to forgive another? This is not the case with children. They may get angry with their parents or playmates, but they usually forget about it minutes later. This is the type of love that the Apostle Paul had in mind when he instructed the Ephesians to walk in love. In 1 John 3:18 John writes, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” This elaborates upon Paul’s instruction. Do you love in deed and truth as a child?

     We are also instructed to imitate childlike humility. Adults oftentimes think more highly of themselves than they ought. In Matthew 18:1 the disciples come to Jesus and want to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (v.1). The apostles appear to be engaged in this debate throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry. All of them wanted to be number one. Jesus takes a child into their midst and says, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven (v.3-4).” To humble yourself means that you put other’s needs above your own. Children can be the most sympathetic people. If they see someone suffering or an injustice being committed to another, they will usually come to the rescue. This should be our attitude as Christians! When we put Jesus and others before ourselves, then we enjoy the manifest blessings in the kingdom of God in this present world. It is my prayer that God will bless us to be more childlike so that we may humbly follow God and love each other.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

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Michael Green, Jr. is pastor of Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church (www.palmchapel.org) in Crestview, FL. Palm Chapel meets every Sunday at 10:30am and Wednesday at 6:00pm. Pastor Green can be contacted at (850) 689-3383 or by email at pastor@palmchapel.org. Pastor Green warmly invites you to come and worship at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church

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