(Matthew 18) "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." Jesus. Humility and faith are two things we lose as we grow up to become adults. In becoming adults we are taught to be self-reliant and therefore we sacrifice the very things God says are necessary for us to enter His Kingdom. Before we head off in search of our own life we pass through the gate of accountability and for those who don't live in America where there is a church on every corner God has provided His creation as His first witness, where much is given much is required. For me that time came at the age of nine and apparently the decision was easily seen by those whom God appointed because I remember one of my church youth leaders asking me if I wanted to pray after a youth function. I know it was God directed because he took me out of the crowd and we ended up praying in the restroom, for God knew what I needed to make this important decision, by nature I am a private person. Now since becoming a Christian I have made many decisions out of self-reliance but each time I do God is faithful to bring me back to His side and at the times I am closest to my Savior faith and humility are present. For those who don't accept Jesus they have no other place to turn except to themselves, which only pushes humility and faith further away. No wonder Jesus said in tomorrow's reading, (Matthew 19:23-24 NLT) "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I'll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!'"
Lord, thanks for this life you have given me. May I always be aware of your presence and your gracious love for me. Please keep my heart soft and open before you and teach my children to do the same. I know as teens and pre-teens they begin to think they can do many things better than dear old dad but let that not turn into self-reliance. Lord you know I love them and it's because of this love you placed in me for them I pray that you will allow them to know their own weakness so that they may turn to you and continually have "child-like" hearts for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
