Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

HenSoma-OneBody

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
 

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This is going to sound silly, but I have to say it: I think that when I'm at my best is when I see my relationship with God as how my dog sees his relationship with me. And I hope God sees me as I see the puppy and won't kill me when I pee on the carpet. I'm still learning.
 
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Dave L

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
Because truth matters. You cannot be free without it.
 
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Hammster

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
Do you believe that you know this is true?
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Do you believe that you know this is true?
Which part? If you are referring to Matthew 18:1-4, absolutely! If you are referring to these statements that are listed, the sayings of man? Well, they are just sayings. Everything is truth to the one who believes it, until it is challenged and proved incorrect.
 
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Hammster

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Which part? If you are referring to Matthew 18:1-4, absolutely! If you are referring to these statements that are listed, the sayings of man? Well, they are just sayings. Everything is truth to the one who believes it, until it is challenged and proved incorrect.
You are making a truth claim that originated in how much you know.
 
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Rene Loup

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One perk about living in Canada is how easy it is to apologize, even for trivial things.

In recent months, I came to realize one of the reasons why Canadians are stereotyped as being polite: This national quirk of ours. Apologizing is an act of humility, keeping us from becoming too prideful. It is basically the Mr. Miyagi approach in learning humility: Wax on, wax off.[1][2]

Doing little acts of humility like this at every given opportunity really does make a difference! After doing so enough times, it becomes reflex.

Think of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector:

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
~Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)

Bible Gateway passage: Luke 18 - King James Version
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 18 - New King James Version
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 18 - New International Version
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 18 - International Children’s Bible

From this parable, I have also learned a better way of doing comedy: Go for self-deprecation rather than making fun of someone else. One of the most important rules of stand-up comedy is learning how to laugh at oneself. By doing so, it teaches us to be honest with ourselves and become more comfortable with our own flaws. Otherwise, we are training ourselves to become victims needing scapegoats.

By making fun of others, we are simply encouraging and even rewarding bullying. North America already has enough bullying in our schools, the very places we are trying to teach our children that this is NOT OK. This younger generation appears to really enjoy 'relatable' humour, and the older generations catering to this are only encouraging this current social climate.

When it comes to academics versus entertainment, more often than not, entertainment wins. Use this form of influence wisely. James 3, Luke 16:1-15, Matthew 5:21-22, and Proverbs 16:18, 18:21, 26:18-19 are also very good reads related to this subject.

Finally, I would like to encourage everyone reading this post to read, study, and KNOW Scripture on a daily basis. An overreliance on others to do so carries an outrageously high level of risk. Having Bible studies with at least two or three people really does help with provoking discussion and debate, as long as it remains respectful (1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 John 4:1-6, 1 Peter 3:15-17). If it simply will not remain respectful, then know when to walk away from it (Ephesians 4:25-32, Matthew 7:1-6, 10:11-16, 2 Timothy 3). I had to learn this the hard way.
  1. "Special training through menial work." - https://tvtropes [dot] org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WaxOnWaxOff- POSSIBLE LANGUAGE WARNING!!!
  2. The Karate Kid (1984) - IMDb
On May 1, 2021, at roughly 12:35 AM Eastern Time, I have added Scripture to these disclaimers, and am planning to continue doing so (John 13:1-17, Luke 16:1-15, Matthew 7:13-29). My apologies, I am still learning because I am a flawed human being who is predisposed towards selfishness.

On February 22, 2021, at roughly 11:50 AM Eastern Time, this post has been edited to reformat a citation. My apologies, I am still learning because I am a flawed human being who is predisposed towards selfishness.
 
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BNR32FAN

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?

Aren’t you exhibiting your knowledge of the scriptures in this OP? :scratch:
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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You are making a truth claim that originated in how much you know.
Just the opposite, truth is never based on what we know. It is based on what Jesus taught, He is the only truth. Therefore, no matter how hard I try (whatever case I might make), only Jesus can substantiate truth. Thus, let's just invest in Him and let Him guide us through the power of the Holy Spirit by living out our faith without having to everything figured out in our heads. Kind of like how children just trust in their parents and not lean on their own understanding like adults do.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Aren’t you exhibiting your knowledge of the scriptures in this OP? :scratch:
Simply asking the question based on what Jesus said, but not trying to do anything more than to ask why so many pride themselves in how much they know versus becoming humble and childlike? Why do you think this is?
 
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Just the opposite, truth is never based on what we know. It is based on what Jesus taught, He is the only truth. Therefore, no matter how hard I try (whatever case I might make), only Jesus can substantiate truth. Thus, let's just invest in Him and let Him guide us through the power of the Holy Spirit by living out our faith without having to everything figured out in our heads. Kind of like how children just trust in their parents and not lean on their own understanding like adults do.
It looks like you are talking about how much you know.
 
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BNR32FAN

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Simply asking the question based on what Jesus said, but not trying to do anything more than to ask why so many pride themselves in how much they know versus becoming humble and childlike? Why do you think this is?

The scriptures provide us with God’s word, just like the verse you quoted. Your exhibiting your knowledge of that verse while at the same time ironically comparing others who exhibit their knowledge of the scriptures. We have to consider all of God’s word as a whole my friend.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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Which part? If you are referring to Matthew 18:1-4, absolutely! If you are referring to these statements that are listed, the sayings of man? Well, they are just sayings. Everything is truth to the one who believes it, until it is challenged and proved incorrect.
And how do you prove? Through the written Word of God.
Blessings.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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It looks like you are talking about how much you know.
I understand, thank you for your input. However, I am asking the question based on what I do not know concerning why so many pride themselves in what they know versus just being a simple and humble servant. That is what I am asking, not debating anything. Do you know why so many try to be modern day Scribes? I do not see the point when it comes to being a humble servant completely dependant on Christ, like a child is to their parent.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
We are commanded to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" while humbling ourselves to the Lord. Blessings.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
Cont...may I point out your use of scripture to start your thread. It is unavoidable.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
Thank you for your prayers ! Be blessed.
 
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