Becoming Like Little Children
Becoming Like Little Children: Learning to Live the Kingdom of God as a Child Would
Introduction: The Inspiration Behind This Reflection
Sometimes, Jesus says things that make perfect sense. Love your neighbor. Yep, got it. Do unto others. Totally reasonable. And then He drops a line like this:
“Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Wait, hold up—what does that even mean? Should we start throwing tantrums when we don’t get our way? Demand cookies before bedtime? Insist on wearing a superhero cape to church? (Actually, that last one could be kind of cool.)
This past Saturday, Father Hector at St. Peter’s in Dixon preached on this very passage, and it got me thinking. I remembered four key ways he said children approach the world—ways that we, too, should imitate:
They believe what their parents tell them. (Faith)
They are pure. (Innocence)
They are humble, not prideful (humility)
They forgive quickly, and move on after a spat with a friend. (Mercy)
That’s already a beautiful start, but as Father Hector went on to repeat his comments in Spanish to my Spanish speaking brothers and sisters, I had time to really reflect on his message and the Lord started illuminating other aspects of childhood to me; then, I realized there’s just so much more to this! Children have a way of revealing deep truths about our relationship with God, and the more I thought about it, the more I saw how much we adults need to unlearn our “grown-up” ways and return to childlike faith.
So let’s explore what kids can teach us—beyond sticky fingers and how to get gum permanently embedded in carpet.
1. Children Are Completely Dependent
Ever met a newborn who pays rent? Yeah, me neither. Kids depend on their parents for everything—food, shelter, protection, education, entertainment, even those ridiculous dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets that somehow taste better than regular ones.
And you know what? We’re supposed to depend on God the same way.
Too often, we act like self-sufficient grown-ups, thinking we’ve got everything under control—until we don’t. Jesus tells us to stop white-knuckling our way through life and trust that God is actually good for his word that if we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness he will add all other things unto us! We need to trust God, like a child who has never had to wonder, Will there be food in the fridge tomorrow? We are called to rest in God’s provision, which is truly there for us.
Now, does that mean we just sit back, refuse to work, and expect manna to fall from the sky? Not at all. Children have responsibilities too. A five-year-old who knows how to dress himself is expected to dress himself. A teenager is expected to learn, grow, and contribute in age-appropriate ways.
God calls us to do what we can while trusting Him with what we can’t. Planning, saving, and working hard are good and necessary for us to do—but they should be done in faith, not fear. The key is to trust God while doing our part, knowing He is ultimately the one who provides.
Be like a child: Expect your Father in heaven to know, and meet your needs, because he does, and he will.
2. Children Cry Out When They’re Hurt
Ever see a toddler wipe out at the playground? They don’t brush it off and say, “Well, that was an unfortunate turn of events. I shall now internalize my pain and push forward with stoic resolve.” No, they wail—loudly, dramatically, and without any concern for who’s watching. And then what happens? A loving parent scoops them up, wipes their tears, and reassures them that they’re okay.
But we, as adults? Oh no, we can’t do that. We pretend we’re fine, slap on a brave face, and carry our wounds in silence.
Jesus wants us to be like children and cry out to Him and His Father. When we’re hurting, we don’t have to fake strength—we can run straight into the arms of our loving and capable Father. He’s not rolling His eyes, waiting for us to “get over it.” He wants to comfort us, heal us, and remind us that we’re loved.
Be like a child: the next time you’re struggling, don’t bottle it up. Pray. Yell. Sob if you need to. God can handle your mess.
3. Children Accept Comfort and Keep Going
Kids don’t just cry out—they also receive comfort. A few hugs, a wiped nose, and—boom—they’re back on the monkey bars like nothing happened. They don’t stew in their sadness. They let love in, feel it fully, and move forward.
But how many times do we resist God’s comfort? We dwell on our guilt and our sadness. We wallow in our pain. We think, ‘God couldn’t possibly want to help me after all the ways I’ve messed up.’
Newsflash: He absolutely does.
God isn’t waiting for you to “earn” His comfort. He’s already offering it. Whether it’s through Scripture, the sacraments, a friend’s encouragement, or just the quiet peace in prayer, He is constantly trying to embrace you.
Be like a child: Accept the comfort and keep going.
4. Children Get Dirty and Need to Be Cleaned Up
If you’ve ever tried to keep a child clean, bless your heart. It’s impossible. You can bathe them, dress them in spotless clothes, and somehow—SOMEHOW—they will be covered in mud, candy, or snot, within five minutes.
Spiritually, we are exactly the same way. We sin. We fall. We get messy. And just like kids can’t clean themselves up after a long day of playing in the dirt, we can’t cleanse our own souls.
That’s why Jesus gave us confession, His mercy, and His blood to wash us clean. No matter how dirty we get, God never says, You’re too much of a mess. I’m done with you. He simply says, Come to me. Let me make you new.
So if you’ve been carrying around the grime of sin, don’t try to fix it on your own. Let God wash you clean. That’s what repentance from a contrite heart, and confession is for—a spiritual bath with eternal consequences.
Be like a child: Put yourself in front of the one who loves you so much that He gave his life for you, and let him wash you clean.
5. Children Wait with Expectation
Have you ever watched a child eagerly await a parent's return when left at daycare or with a sitter? They might press their nose against the window, eyes wide with anticipation, and when the door finally opens, they burst into joyous celebration jumping up and down and literally climbing up their mom or dad to hug their neck and in return to be held by them. Children don't just hope their parents will come home—they know it, with unwavering certainty; still their joy is complete when they finally see them.
This is the kind of expectant faith we are called to have in God. When we pray, we should do so with the joyful confidence that our Heavenly Father hears us and responds. Our anticipation of His presence should be as assured as a child's trust in their parent's return.
Be like a child: Wait with joyful expectation, because your Father is coming for you.
6. Children Don’t Give Up
When a child sets their sights on something—like a coveted cookie—they don't simply ask once and then retreat if denied. They persist: asking repeatedly, employing their most persuasive tactics, and refusing to accept defeat until they achieve their goal or are gently redirected.
Jesus encourages this kind of persistence in our spiritual lives. He teaches us to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7), not timidly, but with relentless determination. This persistent pursuit isn't about wearing God down; it's about deepening our faith and desire for Him above all else.
Be like a child:Be like a child: Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking—your Father delights in giving good things to His children, but remember -more than anything, He wants you to desire Him above all else.
7. Children Learn from Pain
Children are naturally curious and, at times, heedless of warnings. A child might touch a hot stove despite cautions, quickly learning through the resulting pain not to repeat the action. They fall while learning to walk, scrape their knees on the playground, and sometimes experience the sting of rejection or disappointment. Each time, they learn, grow, and push forward, stronger and wiser than before.
Pain is often one of life's greatest teachers. Similarly, our own experiences of pain and suffering can be profound lessons that shape our character. These moments, perhaps brought on by disobedience and sin, or trusting man instead of God, or even through no fault of our own… though challenging, for sure, offer opportunities for growth, resilience, and deeper understanding. When we experience loss, hardship, or failure, we are given a choice: to become bitter or to allow God to use it for our good. Pain can make us more compassionate, more patient, and more reliant on God's grace if we let it.
Jesus doesn't waste our suffering; if we bring it to Him, He transforms it into wisdom and strength. Just as a loving parent comforts their child after a fall, He meets us in our pain—not always taking it away, but giving us the grace to endure and the lessons to carry forward. God will use everything we go through for His glory and our good, If we will surrender it to Him.
Be like a child: Learn from your pain and let your Father use it to sanctify you.
8. Children Need Boundaries
Children thrive within the safety of established boundaries. Clear guidelines and rules provide them with a sense of security and understanding of the world around them. Without such structure, they can feel lost and anxious, without grounding.
God's commandments serve as these protective boundaries for us. They aren't arbitrary restrictions but loving guidelines meant to keep us from harm and lead us toward a fulfilling life. By adhering to His commandments, our lives will stay on track as we learn to trust in His wisdom and care.
Be like a child: Follow your Father’s ways, and He will lead you into life.
9. Children Imitate Those They Love
Children are natural imitators, often mirroring the behaviors, speech, and mannerisms of those they admire, especially their parents.
I once saw this in the most beautiful way at Winco. A family was checking out, and as they left, I noticed something amazing. The father had a unique gait—he walked on his toes with a distinctive arm movement. His little son, only about three and a half years old, ran back and forth between his parents. When he held his mother’s hand, he walked normally. But the moment he grabbed his father’s hand, he instantly adjusted his walk to match his dad’s exactly—on his toes, arms moving in rhythm. He was imitating the one he loved.
This instinct to imitate reflects our own spiritual journey. As we draw closer to God, spending time in His presence through prayer, scripture, and community, we begin to reflect His character in our actions and attitudes.
Be like a child: Stay close to your Father, and you will begin to walk like Him.
10. Children Must Do Their Parents’ Will
Or face consequences, right? Loving parents make conscious choices for their children and then enforce them. Children must learn to obey their parents. It is, after all, the fourth commandment. Even when they don't fully understand the reasons behind a parent's instructions, are called to trust and follow them.
Reflecting on my own experience, I grew up with an oppressive mother who often enforced rules with the reasoning, "Because I said so, and I’m the Mom." This approach left me feeling powerless and disconnected, and didn’t teach me any decision making at all. Determined to foster a different environment for my own child, I made a conscious decision, and shared it with her. I told her that I would say "yes" as often as possible. However, when a "no" was necessary, I expected her to trust that there was a good reason behind it, even if I didn’t feel it was appropriate to share it with her. She knew I wanted her to have joy, and because of this mutual understanding, it worked beautifully. My daughter knew that my guidance stemmed from love, wisdom, and a desire for her best, and lead her to trust my judgment without argument.
This dynamic mirrors our relationship with God. He desires our trust and obedience, not as a means of exerting control, but out of His profound love for us. While we may not always grasp the reasons behind His will, we can be assured that His intentions are for our ultimate good. As highlighted in Matthew 6:10, we pray for His will to be done, trusting in His divine plan.
Be like a child: Trust your Father's will and do it - knowing that His guidance is rooted in love and leads to your ultimate good.
11. Children Can Lose Privileges and Need Reconciliation
When children stray from guidelines or act out, they might face consequences like time-outs or loss of privileges. These measures aren't about withdrawing love but are intended to correct and guide them back to the right path. However, beyond these immediate consequences lies a deeper, more impactful experience: the temporary loss of fellowship with their parents.
The Emotional Impact of Parental Withdrawal
Children are highly sensitive to their parents' approval and affection. When they sense a withdrawal of fellowship—be it through disappointment, reduced interaction, or emotional distance—it can be profoundly unsettling. This perceived separation can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. The innate desire for parental connection means that any disruption in this bond serves as a powerful signal to the child, emphasizing the gravity of their actions and the need for correction.
Spiritual Separation Due to Sin
Similarly, when we sin, it creates a separation between us and God. This isn't about God withdrawing His love; His love remains steadfast. Instead, it's about us distancing ourselves from Him. This spiritual separation can lead to feelings of emptiness, guilt, and a profound sense of loss. The Bible describes this as being "dead in your trespasses and sins," highlighting the severity of being alienated from God.
The Path to Reconciliation
Just as a child yearns to restore the bond with their parent, our souls long to be reconciled with God. The beauty of our faith lies in the assurance that God is always ready to welcome us back. Through repentance and reconciliation, we can restore our fellowship with Him, experiencing anew the peace and joy of His presence.
Be like a child: Run back to your Father, and He will welcome you with open arms.
12. Children Belong to a Family
A child is never meant to be alone. From the moment they are born, they are part of a family—a place where they are loved, nurtured, and formed. Even when they test boundaries, drive their parents crazy, or struggle through tough seasons, they are never without a home.
We are the same in the Kingdom of God. Christianity isn’t a solo journey—we are part of God’s family, His Church, His people. Just as children need parents, siblings, and a community to grow, we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to support, encourage, and guide us.
Too often, we try to go it alone, thinking faith is just about our personal relationship with God. But Jesus didn’t call isolated individuals—He called disciples, apostles, and an entire Church to walk this journey together.
Children thrive when they know they belong. And so do we.
Be like a child: Embrace your place in God’s family, and He will surround you with His love forever.
Conclusion: Embracing Childlike Faith
In closing, we've seen that childlike faith isn't about being childish, but about a pure and trusting heart toward God. Like a little one who trusts her parents’ every word, we too are invited to trust God wholeheartedly. Children depend on their parents for everything, and in the same way, we thrive when we depend fully on our Heavenly Father. This kind of faith is essential because it keeps our relationship with God authentic and alive, free from cynicism and full of hope and joy.
Take a moment to reflect: Which childlike qualities do you need to embrace more in your own faith? Perhaps you realize you need the simple trust that believes God will take care of you, even when life is uncertain. Or maybe it's the joyful wonder that you've lost — the ability to delight in God's presence and the little blessings each day. It could be humility and honesty, being unafraid to admit you need God's help at every step. Identifying these areas is the first step, and it's both challenging and encouraging, because it means growth is possible.
Now, let's apply these truths in practical ways. This week, approach God in prayer with the openness of a child — no pretense, no hesitation, just the joy of knowing that you are loved and wanted. When anxiety or problems arise, make a conscious choice to run to God first, just as a child runs to a loving parent for comfort. Practice dependence by handing over your worries and decisions to Him; you can pray, "Father, I need You in this." Choose to find joy in simple moments: sing a worship song with childlike enthusiasm, thank God for something small but sweet, or marvel at His creation as if seeing it for the first time- it is, after all, amazing! Each time you do, you're living out that childlike faith in daily life and building a stronger, more trusting relationship with God.
In the end, childlike faith is a gift we cultivate — it leads us into deeper trust, unshakable dependence, and overflowing joy in our walk with God. So let's not just admire this idea from afar. Let's each take a step forward and actively embrace it. God is ready, like a loving Father holding out His arms, eager to catch you as you jump toward Him with sincere faith.
Let's pray together:
Heavenly Father, give me the heart of a child being embraced by You. Fill me with a child's joy and wonder in Your presence. I want to walk with You in simple, pure faith, living in your Divine Will, reflecting you in all I do. Thank You for always welcoming me with open arms. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Conclusion:
So, we’ve done a good job of exploring what childlike faith looks like. Now, we just need to live it out… right? Let’s resolve to go about the rest of our lives with this kind of childlike faith—trusting, dependent, and full of joy—expect to experience the warmth and wonder of drawing closer to God like never before. And hey, if you feel like twirling around in a superhero cape or a princess dress while praising the Lord, I say go for it!
The peace of the Lord be with YOU!