Through the Eyes of a Child

Our Grandson Aiden at Disneyworld

     This past week following our European anniversary trip, we went to Disneyworld with our grandson Aiden, his parents and his other grandparents Joy and Rob Davidson.  We had a wonderful time because we had a chance to look through the eyes of a child as he discovered the magical world of Disney.  Watching him hug Pinocchio, Buzz Lightyear, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were worth every moment in the hot Florida sun.  Jet lagged and all (six hour time difference between Zurich and Orlando), we delighted in his eyes filled with wonder.  We have seen this childlike look of amazement in our other grandsons as well, and it reminds me that we are to have this same simple faith of a child when it comes to our Lord.

Meeting Minnie and Mickey for the first time

     Unfortunately, life has a way of jading us.  As we grow older, we forget to keep the childlike wonder in our hearts when it comes to our faith.  Maybe it is the bumps and bruises of life that cause us to develop  a hard shell around our souls, but Jesus told us to humble ourselves like a little child.  Matthew 18:1 reads:
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'  And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, '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.'"  So what is it about a child that we should imitate?
     Certainly, children are not innocent for all are born with the sin nature, and this is evident if you have ever been around children when they choose to disobey.  However, in the passage quoted, Jesus is speaking about how children depend upon others and accept, willingly, what they cannot provide for themselves.  They are not haughty and above receiving from their parents.  Their faith is simple and their trust in their parents is unquestioned.  This is how our hearts are meant to be when it comes to our relationship with God.  We are meant to depend upon Him and not in ourselves.
     Our world calls us to be self-reliant.  Being a self-made man/woman who pulls themselves up by the bootstraps is admirable and worthy of praise in our culture, but not according to Scripture.  In the Bible, we see what self-reliance did for mankind in the Garden of Eden.  It brought in sin and death because we leaned on our own understanding rather than depending upon God and His provision for our lives.

The Electric Light Parade is a highlight

     When we entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He gave us a new heart.  He made us a new creation and restored us to a right relationship with God.  This new life brings with it an opportunity to once again see through the eyes of a child.  The new birth brings new wonder, new faith, and a new mind in Christ.  According to Paul, we are to put away the things of the flesh and the old life that would hinder us in our walk (Romans 12:1-2; Gals. 5:16-25).  Only as we walk in the Holy Spirit's power are we able to have the a heart that is humble and dependent on God.  For this, we were bought with the price of God's only Son who died for our sins.
      Going to Disneyworld was fun as we watched our grandson's reaction to the characters, the fireworks at night and the Electric Light Parade.  However, it also spoke to me about how we need to recapture our first love for Christ - our sense of wonder and faith even as a child.  Jesus said our hearts need to be humble and dependent as a child's if we wish to see heaven.  So my prayer today is that we all will seek to develop that childlike trust in God our heavenly Father that will carry us through life into His loving arms one day.  Selah!

Outside Mr. Sander's House in Pooh Land

I welcome your thoughts and insights here.  I hope you will leave a comment and feel free to share this with others as well.  I write to encourage and lift up others in our faith in Christ.