From the Book, Rules For Life: According To Jesus

24. Have Childlike Faith 

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.  But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

Matthew 18:2-6, 10

Really, it’s childlike humility. But childlike faith works just as well. He is also probably speaking about innocence. 

When Matthew says “little” child, he may have meant really little—like a toddler. I only say this because it doesn’t take very long before children turn into little terrors (you parents know what I’m talking about). 

However quickly the analogy breaks down, even children show their true colors of sinful desires within man. Still, we can all understand what He is talking about here. 

As adults, we need to work at maintaining some form of innocence as we encounter life. We also need to strive to be as humble as a little child. After all, humility and innocence go together. The more innocent one is, the easier it is to be humble toward others. 

I am tempted to say, “God help the person who harms a child”. But then, God would be the last One to help someone guilty of that crime. He seems to be really passionate about protecting the innocent (if not in this life, then in the next). 

And I’m not speaking so much about physical harm, but more about spiritual harm. After all, bruises can heal but once the innocence is lost, it’s gone forever. 

Also, a child can be raised to love God or to not love God. I shudder to think of all the parents in the world who have led their children away from God. What a price they will have to pay for that! This is not to be dogmatic about it and say that a parent is totally responsible for their child to accept Jesus. Sometimes we do all we can and the child still rejects the cross for salvation. I hope that I am free of guilt in this regard. Thank God that both of my children profess Christ in their lives. 

I have also been very careful to not be guilty of leading other people’s children (whatever age) away from the Savior. Rather, I always strive to lead people toward the cross, regardless of age, race, gender, or any other human trait. It’s what I do. (I don’t call myself “Gary the Gospel Guy” for nothing.)

If an evil person takes advantage of the innocence of a child for personal gain or any other ill, it won’t go well for them. As for us, we should be protecting the children at all cost. 

Strive for innocence; it’s commanded by the Lord.

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Sections in this study:
Introduction
1: Repent
2: Be Born Again
3: Place God First
4: Love and Serve One Another
5: Live By Faith
6: Forgive Others
7: Remain in Jesus
8: Live Righteously Before Men
9: Avoid Bad Influences
10: Stay On The Narrow Path
11: Do Not Return Evil With Evil
12: Give More Than Is Demanded
13: Love Your Enemies
14: Check Your Motives
15: Pray Simply
16: Do Not Worry
17: Store Up Treasures In Heaven
18: Do Not Be Judgmental
19: Guard what is Sacred
20: Care For Those In Distress
21: Do Not Swear Oaths
22: Watch out for false prophets
23: Exercise Spiritual Power
24: Have Childlike Faith
25: Do Not Exalt Yourself
26: Settle Disputes Quickly
27: Settle Disputes Between Believers
28: Do not Oppose Brethren
29: Remember Me
30: Be Merciful
31: Make Disciples
32: Be Ready
33: Obey Jesus’ Commands
Closing Comments