Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:17 NIV
Watch a young child on Christmas morning opening gifts. Do they shake them first to see what’s in them? Do they carefully unwrap the paper and neatly fold it up for later use? Are they indifferent to the occasion? If they are like any child I have ever known, the exact opposite is true. There is an excitement in their approach to opening gifts that is contagious.
I believe this is, at least in part, what Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples that we needed to receive the kingdom of God like a little child. In addition to a child-like faith, we should receive the gift of the kingdom with excitement and enthusiasm. What better gift could we receive than membership in the Kingdom of God? Be excited about it, not just initially, but continuously.
And when that enthusiasm and excitement is reflected in your daily life, think how much more appealing the kingdom would be to those you come in contact with. All too often, the kingdom seems to make little difference in our lives. And sometimes, we act like we are sucking on a lemon when we share with others. And then wonder why our appeal for Christ falls on deaf ears. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad. It is contagious.
