Walking in Childlike Faith
Inside: My heart can go so quickly into self-reliance mode. What it looks like to come to Jesus with childlike dependence.
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
—Matthew 18:3–4 (ESV)
When the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom, His answer wasn’t what they expected. He called a child to Himself and told them, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
To become like a child is to come to Jesus with simple, trusting, humble dependence. Childlike humility is marked by dependence. It recognizes our need for the Lord in every part of life. It’s the very heart of true conversion. The first beatitude reminds us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (Matthew 5:3). We don’t come to the Lord sufficient in ourselves. We come dependent on His grace for everything.
Our lives as homemakers give us countless opportunities to practice this childlike faith. My heart can go so quickly into self-reliance mode. I like to feel on top of things and organized.
The last time my day completely fell apart, instead of bringing it before the Lord in prayer, I just pushed through in my own strength. I was probably very unpleasant to be around, because I was frustrated and not resting in God’s plan for my day. The Lord often uses times like that to remind me how much I need Him.
And the Lord is gracious to keep reminding me that I was never meant to live the Christian life in my own strength.
This is what true greatness looks like in God’s kingdom. Not having it all together or keeping the perfect home or schedule, but humbly walking before the Lord and depending on Him for each task He’s called us to.
My prayer is that I would continue learning to walk through my days with this kind of childlike dependence on the Lord.
Reflection Question:
Where have you found yourself relying more on your own strength than on the Lord?
Related Links:
Homemaking Matters: Living for God’s Glory in the Ordinary
Homemaking is more than a list of tasks or a never-ending to-do list. It is a calling given by God, with real purpose for His glory.
In Homemaking Matters , you’ll be encouraged to recognize God’s hand in your daily life and to understand that your work matters to Him. You’ll be reminded to love and serve your family in ways that reflect Christ, to turn from striving and rest in His sufficiency, and to live each day with your eyes set on what is eternal.