Childlike Faith
Jesus makes reference to his disciples needing to become like children both in the context of humility and in the context of faith. In Matthew 18, the disciples questioned Jesus about who was greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus responded that in order to be great, that they needed to become like children. In other chapters, his reference is to them becoming the youngest or becoming a servant.
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). In each instance, Jesus was teaching that intellectualism and our adult reasoning cannot get us into heaven. Jesus was constantly at odds with the religious leaders of his time.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were high priests who interpreted the religious laws of their times. These men were well educated and knew the scriptures and the laws of the Old Testament. How then did they miss the coming of the Messiah? They not only doubted who Jesus said he was, but orchestrated his crucifixion.
We cannot fit faith into logic and reasoning and sometimes faith will sound like foolishness. I am not encouraging us to abandon common sense and the exercise of wisdom. What I am saying is that very often, faith comes in direct conflict with our intellect.
As we mature into adulthood, lifetime experiences, disappointments and dissatisfaction can erode our faith. Children are impressionable and it does not take a lot of evidence for them to be convinced. Physical and emotional maturity is important, but let us also grow in Christlike maturity, to be able to accept that whatever God says is true. Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
December 31, 2021
