GROWING UP OR GROWING OLD?

"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 (NIV©1984)

Jesus told them, and us, that we must become as children to enter into God’s kingdom. To engage in a relationship as a child would be to bring unbridled love, complete belief and trust in the other, creativity, fun, play, and open arms that greet the Lord God with discarded self-interest and abandoned self-protection. That is where we begin; but too often, that is where we stop.

Paul the Apostle, and "Timothy our brother," encouraged believers in their continued walk with the Lord. "Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you." 2 Corinthians 10:15-16a (NIV©1984)

We are to come as children and then grow in faith. We are not to remain irresponsible children, although we carry our complete faith and belief into our relationship with Christ. We are also not to become the punitive, know-it-all-parent of other believers. That attitude of superiority and exclusivity turns others away from their Redeemer. If we are growing in faith and not religiosity, we will become adults in Christ. As adults we love and nurture, teach and support, bind up the wounds of the afflicted, hold their hand as they walk toward home and share their joys and sorrows within the healing love of Christ. Are we growing up or growing old? Let us pray:

"Father God, it is you whom we seek. We long to throw our arms open wide to you, crawl upon your lap and receive all you have for your children. Forgive us when we have overprotected ourselves to the point of shutting you out. Today, we choose to think less of ourselves and more of you. We choose to turn away from all that glitters and accept the precious gold of your true kingdom, just as the angels in heaven enjoy. Give us this day a clear and guiding beam that will lead us home. Forgive us for ignoring your light in the past when we chose to be undisciplined children. Others are seeking a loving spirit but we often reply, "Let the pastor go." But, to those who cry in darkness, we may be the only Christian they know. May we humbly accept our role as loving adults in Christ, to further the expansion of your Holy Church here on earth. In the name Jesus, your son and our Lord, we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp