And Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Adults tend to be set in their ways and resistant to change. Children are open to new ideas and are ready to trust and follow respected mentors. Jesus Christ is our mentor and His instruction is clear and unambiguous. We are to turn away from the misdirection of the devil and follow His example to serve God by serving others.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NASB)
The world we live in likes to push us into negative patterns of destruction. Frustration and anxiety often keep us from productive change. We have to fight the urge to respond to others while distracted by our fears and open our hearts in a way that allows us to respond with love.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
Responding with love in all situations is our ultimate goal. We can all do a better job in that regard. Rather than finding reasons to say no, we need to start looking for reasons to say yes. Rather than being frozen in fear by our own burdens, we need to trust God and focus on the burdens of others.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been given an enormous undeserved gift. Our guaranteed eternal life with Jesus should be our constant focus. How can we have a negative attitude when we have been so greatly blessed? We need to approach every day with the clear understanding that we are going forward filled with the Holy Spirit and our strength comes from the Lord. The path we take needs to be His path and not our own. Our mission is to love God and to serve Him by serving others with the love He provides.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
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