Childlike Faith | Mark 10

Cal as a toddler

“I want to go to heaven.” My three-year-old son Calvin told me one Sunday morning after church.

“Why?” I asked.

“I want to go to heaven to be with Jesus,” he answered.

~~~~~

Parents brought their children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them and bless them. The disciples were annoyed. They thought the parents were wasting Jesus’ time and told them to leave. When Jesus saw what was happening, he said to the disciples,

“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Then, Jesus took the children into his arms and blessed them.

Sometimes, when people hear that my son prayed and invited Jesus into his heart at age three, they are incredulous, “Can a child that young understand what it means to follow Jesus?” Well, no. A three-year-old cannot comprehend all the tenets of Christianity. He doesn’t have to. Calvin placed his simple, childlike faith in Jesus.

It takes childlike faith to trust in Jesus.

Does this mean that only a simple-minded person would be gullible enough to believe in Christ? No. C.S. Lewis, once an atheist, is one example of an intellectual who came to faith in Jesus Christ. The greatest theologians of our time have only scratched the surface of understanding God and his ways. The Almighty is unfathomable.

Neither does having childlike faith mean that unless a person believes in Christ during his childhood, he is lost forever. I once prayed with an 80-year-old man who decided to follow Jesus.

No matter our age or status, all enter God’s Kingdom in the same way … by placing simple, childlike faith in Jesus to save us.

• In Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis tells the story of his conversion.

How old were you when you began your faith journey? I’d love to hear your comments.

Rita, Mark and son Welcome to  Real Life . Mark and Rita fell in love, married, and had two children. Then, Mark met Beth. They ended up having an affair. Mark left his family and married Beth. Eight months later, Mark had a life-altering stroke. This is Beth and Rita’s story of grace.  Beth   I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was a young teenager. However, I didn’t really know what that meant. I didn’t understand salvation or grace. I knew God, but kept my distance from him.  I felt like I was too far gone. I wasn’t worthy of his forgiveness. When I met Mark, I was rebounding from a long, unhealthy relationship. Ironically, what drew me to him was the way he interacted with his family. Mark was and is a patient, loving father.  I saw the special relationship he had with his children. As we began the affair, I was racked with guilt. I consoled myself with the thought that he was the one sinning, not me. He was the married one. I was single.  Beth and

Welcome to Real Life . In today’s Ministry Spotlight, join my conversation with . . . Michelle Virnelson Love INC (in the Name of Christ) Cuyahoga County, Ohio Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT Michelle, tell us about your position at Love in the Name of Christ. I’m the Clearing House Coordinator as we partner with local churches to help people in crisis. Every person who calls Love INC for help eventually goes through me. We take their information and then I match them with resources to meet their need. 2019 Update:  Michelle is now Executive Director of Love INC Cuyahoga County. How do people in crisis find Love INC? They are often referred to us by their church, or an agency like United Way or Catholic Charities, and sometimes word of mouth. Te

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today? Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert. On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua , I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can’t sleep, etc. I’ve learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg. As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out o