Can you think of any Christians that are sort of like rock stars in the Christian community? Do they have a following of people who (almost) worship the ground they walk on?
Think about the characteristics that elevated this person to their position of respect and leadership. Are they assertive, funny, charismatic? Was it their gift at teaching, knowledge, or music. Do they have a great looks, great hair and cool glasses?
Do you wish you were more like them?
Who is really the greatest?
Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom.
Matt 18:1-5 (HCSB)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me.
Converted
The word translated as converted has the meaning of changing direction or turning around. I find it interesting that Jesus calls us to turn around and change so we are more like children.
What adult characteristics do not enter the kingdom of heaven? Jesus doesn't list them here, but I'm going to guess it is things like pride and arrogance. When we act like we are in control of our lives, and the lives of others around us... there is no place for that when living under the reign of God.
To be great in the kingdom of heaven, we must simply let God rule. Children are examples to us in how we can live with simple faith in our Father.
Young children have the natural ability to trust their parents, and follow their direction without questioning or rebelling. As they grow up, they lose that child like faith in their parents and begin to rely on doing things their own way. That is part of the process of growing up.
Jesus wants us to be born again, to become little children, children under the rule of our loving Father.
Instead of wanting to become more like a celebrity Christian, look around for someone following our Lord in child-like obedience... and follow their example, and become this example for others.
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1 comment:
I actually wish they did not exist
(not the person.. the celebrity status)
:)
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