Wednesday, April 2, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Matthew 18
As an adult, darkness and doubt creep in easier than when I was a child. I have more knowledge of Christianity and faith, but living by it isn’t as easy as it used to be. Why do we suffer more as we age?
Think about the younger children you’ve spent time with. Their forgiveness isn’t something we earn. It often comes to us when we wipe their tears away, hug them, or swallow our pride to apologize. Little ones easily take the hand of a peer and call them a friend.
On the other hand, as adults, we arrogantly create division and make absolutes. We elevate ourselves to matter more than others.
Matthew 18:3-4
3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
There’s simplicity in a child’s approach to the world. Kids don’t struggle to go to Jesus. Their prayers aren’t complicated. We’re all born into sin, but we're also born with the humbleness Jesus exhibited. But our shame, envy, and general human nature strip away our humble ways as we conform to this world.
As the song “Take Me Back” by Dante Bowe suggests, God’s voice was louder than ever when we were young. How can we return to the faith and humility in a child’s heart?
That’s where grace steps in.
Lose your arrogance by actively showing kindness. Be respectful of the differences between you and others. Offer a prayer for others without expecting anything in return. Sit across from someone and remember they were made in God’s image.
Don’t be afraid to humble your humanity, instead be more childlike in your faith. Rather than getting stubborn and arrogant, crawl into your Abba’s arms and confess your mis-steps. Allow God to wipe your tears away and remind you of how dearly loved you are so you can move forward in his grace and show his love to others.
Questions:
Are you prepared to enter the kingdom of heaven? How can you humble your approach to this world?
Next Steps:
Listen to “Take Me Back” by Dante Bowe in worship. Then make a list of people you don’t usually pray for, and set a daily reminder to pray for them. Honor God in your interactions by being mindful of others’ feelings in your words and actions.
Prayer:
Dear God, I am not living each day with a humble heart, but I want to improve. I pray that I can learn to be gracious by changing old habits. Help me forgive others as you have forgiven me. Teach me to spread your light and love and honor you in all my interactions. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Hebrews 4:15
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the LivingItOut.