Be Child-Like Again
Since my wife and I have had children the drawing
power of babies has been a real eye-opener. Whether we are at church, in
restaurants or around family most love to admire, babble and play with
babies. In fact, the affection can be so severe you almost get attacked
by the baby fiends.
Older couples stare at the little ones and whisper, “how adorable.”
Little kids come up and beg, “Can I hold them, can I hold them?
Pleeeeeaase??” Some folks will practically snatch the kids out of your
hands, or others’ hands, without asking (until the kids start crying and
need their diapers changed, of course)! Even the toughest of teenagers
can melt at the smile of a child.
What is that magical essence that children have over us?
Peter writes, “Therefore, beloved...be diligent to be found by Him in
peace, without spot and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14). Here, Peter
reveals the Christian’s ideal situation in life.
First, it is to be found “in peace.” Isn’t “peace” one of the
things we admire about a child? They have no worries, no guilt. A
well-fed, changed and cared for baby is so remarkably at peace. Who can
forget the peaceful feeling we all have when a child runs into our arms
for safety, security and finds peace? We love that about children,
because it is what we want too.
Second, the Christian is to be “without spot.” Little children
have the smoothest of skin. They do not break out in acne, they have no
prickly, hairy beards or leathery, tanned skin. They are “without
spot.” We would all love to start our lives out fresh and new like
little children, with new bodies.
Finally, Peter says we need to be “blameless.” Children are
blameless characters. We hold no grudges against them, nor do they hold
them against us. How wonderful it would be for others to find us
“blameless” in our conduct.
In God’s eyes, we can be like that little child. “Therefore whoever
humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven” (Matthew 18:4). By living as Christians, the world can be
just as drawn to us as we are to a little child.
Think about it.
February 2006