But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14

 

Life gets serious fast. One day, we’re kids giggling on playgrounds. The next, we’re weighed down by worrying about what others think.

The Bible reveals that children were drawn to Jesus. When his disciples tried to push the kids away, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14) and “Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). What did Jesus mean by that?

Children don’t worry about their image or try to protect egos. They laugh freely and are open to new things. That’s the kind of heart God wants to restore in us—one filled with joy, trust, and wonder. God calls us to embrace a childlike faith, free from pride and fear. He might ask us to do something that feels risky—like forgiving someone who hurt us or showing kindness to a stranger.

Brian Hogan, a missionary to Mongolia, felt led by God to fully immerse himself in the local culture—even if it felt very strange to him. Once, he even had a sheep in his bathtub as part of following a Mongolian custom! While they seemed bizarre, Brian’s acts of humility and identification built trust, opened hearts, and allowed him to share Jesus’s love.[1]

Are you willing to go outside your comfort zone to follow Jesus? It’s in these moments—when we say yes to God, even if it feels awkward—that we see His miracles unfold. God invites you back to the simplicity and freedom of childlike trust. Set aside the fear of looking foolish and embrace the joy that comes with following God wholeheartedly!

 

[1] Hogan, Brian. There’s a Sheep in My Bathtub: Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement. Asteroidea Books, 2008.