What does it mean to have childlike faith?
What do you think of when you hear the word “childlike?”
For many of us, “childlike” might bring to mind something immature, foolish, or naive.
Yet when Jesus talked about childlike faith, he wasn’t asking us to be any of these things. He was inviting us into something pure, trusting, and real.
This week, I got to help lead worship at a kids' camp. Watching the kids worship was such a beautiful reminder of what childlike faith truly looks like. These kids worshiped, prayed, and talked about God. This reminded me of how deeply and fearlessly kids can believe in something.
As we get older, we often lose that sense of wonder. Fears, hardships, doubts, or worries about what others might think can start to dampen our boldness in what we believe.
In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus isn’t saying that we should be childish—but childlike: full of trust, dependence, and openness to God.
Think about what it means to grow up and become an adult. One of the first things we learn is how to take care of ourselves—cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, paying bills, and so on. Jesus isn’t telling us to stop being responsible adults.
The world can sometimes trick us into thinking that we can do everything on our own—that we don’t need God or others. And that kind of thinking is dangerous.
Jesus’ statement is strong. He tells us to turn away from pride, sufficiency, and the desire to be liked by everyone. Instead, we need to become like children: humble, trusting, and full of wonder.
So, how do we do this?
Trust God even when you don’t understand.
Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, what would it look like to surrender that need for control over to God?
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
It’s not up to us to know everything. That is God’s role. But we do have the choice whether or not to trust him, even when life doesn’t make sense.
Never lose the wonder.
At YouVersion, one of our brand voice guidelines is: Never lose the wonder.This is a great reminder for our faith too. As believers, we should never grow numb to the incredible things God is doing in and around us.
When was the last time you thanked him for something? Or the last time you were truly inspired by someone’s testimony, a worship song, or a small answered prayer?
God is always at work. We just need the eyes to see it.
Depend on God daily.
If God is our Father and we are his children, then we’re meant to live in daily dependence on him—not just when things are hard or when we need a miracle, but in everyday moments, too.
Invite God into all of your life. Pray daily that he would work in your heart and that you would rely on him and his strength instead of your own.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, it says, “‘But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Being an adult with childlike faith might sound like an oxymoron—but it’s exactly what Jesus calls us to. The kingdom of God doesn’t operate by the world’s rules. It’s an upside-down kind of kingdom. One where the last are first, the weak are strong, and the humble inherit the kingdom.
Jesus lived that way—and he invites us to do the same.
Kali Gibson is the editor-in-chief for So We Speak and a copywriter for the Youversion Bible App.
