Childlike faith means you’re content because you trust God. You aren’t anxious or fret
about everything that goes wrong. You have a childlike approach to life when living in a
grown-up body but don’t respond childishly because you have a mature mind.
I Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child; I
made plans like a child. When I became a man, I stopped those childish ways.”
If you spend time with children, it’s easy to see their childlike faith when they play with
friends and toys or complete tasks for their parents. Here are some traits of a healthy child:
● Forgive easily
● Don’t hold grudges
● Full of love
● Laugh
● They aren’t cynical or skeptical
● Worry-free and carefree
● They aren’t full of doubt
● Innocent
● Express what they feel
● Uncomplicated
● Unlimited energy
● Eager to learn new things
● Marvel at creation (butterflies, bullfrogs, tadpoles, flowers)
● Imaginative
● Creative
● Playful
● Dream big dreams
● Dance
Apply those qualities to your Christian faith. How many did you match? My eyes opened
wide because I have a few characteristics… but not many.
Jesus has childlike faith because He doesn’t lose His awe, wonder, and hope for humanity like adults sometimes do when life takes too many swipes. Likewise, all of the above characteristics of childlike faith describe the Jesus I know.
How do I get a childlike faith? Do these things.
● Believe the Word of God as it’s written, don’t complicate it.
Because scripture is alive and speaks to your heart, God can use the same scripture to
reveal many truths. One day you read the same scripture you’ve read for years and see it
differently. That’s because God reveals an aspect of truth exactly when you need it.
● Simplify prayer.
Here’s how kids pray. “God, take care of my cat, Mommy and Daddy, and me.” “Thank you, God, for my baby brother but I prayed for a puppy.” “Dear God, I want to be just like Daddy when I grow up but with not so much hair.” “God, I went to a wedding and they were kissing right there in church. Is that okay?” You do not have to go into great detail. Remember, God already knows what’s on your heart. He just wants to hear it from you.
● Don’t let reasoning take over your spirit.
Many times an exciting God idea comes to me. Before long, I think it away. A childlike
approach to all of life’s challenges opens the door to new opportunities. Just because you
can overthink it, doesn’t mean you should. Have the confidence of a child.
● Let your faith be real.
There’s no pretense with God. I love that about Him. He not only knows our thoughts but
sees how we respond in situations. Do your thoughts and actions match? Is your faith life
the same whether you are at church, the grocery store, or at home vacuuming floors?
● Keep your heart pure.
My prayers have changed over the years. They went from “change them Lord” to “change
me.” I very seldom pray for stuff, but for more of God.
Jesus taught that we cannot even enter God’s Kingdom unless we enter like a little child
(Luke 18:17). We need childlike faith. Ask God to help you trust Him with childlike simplicity.
Commit your needs to Him. Praise Him.
Prayer: Jesus, I am your child. Help me to have childlike faith that is passionate and bold.
Amen.
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