and provided for. Spiritually, God’s chosen people must also develop that same trust in Him (see Psalm 71:5): “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth.” The Bible again reminds all in Psalm 118 verse 8: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” As well as, Proverbs 30 verse 5: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Children move forward because they trust. They are willing to attempt new things because they know someone greater is watching over them. God desires that same confidence from His children. His people must trust Him, facing challenges without fear because they know He is guiding their lives. A Desire to Please Children naturally want to please their parents. They proudly show their accomplishments, seek approv- al, and desire to make those they love happy. In 1 John 3:21-22 the Apos- tle reminds God’s people that their spiritual goal should be the same—to please their Heavenly Father: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”
Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this attitude in John 8:29: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” Christ’s life was centered on doing His Father’s will. Children often work hard simply because they want to hear, “Good job!” They want their parents to be proud of them. Like- wise, a Christian’s greatest desire should be to hear God say that they have faithfully followed Him. Zeal and Unselfish Love
Acts 10:34 records that Peter also learned this important lesson: “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.’” Little children do not naturally cre- ate cliques. They include others and enjoy fellowship without prejudice. God’s people should have that same spirit eager to serve, encourage, and Children remind Christians of the qualities that God desires in His peo- ple: humility, sincerity, trust, a desire to please, and enthusiastic love to- ward others. Adults have the respon- sibility to teach children and provide them with godly examples. But they must also recognize that children can teach them valuable lessons about the kind of heart God desires for His people. Jesus Christ did not say His follow- ers should become childish. He said they must become childlike—hum- ble, trusting, teachable, sincere and zealous love. When Christians devel- op these qualities, they draw closer to God better prepared to enter into His Kingdom. In Matthew 5:8 it states: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Christians must continue learn- ing from the little children God has placed in their lives—imitating their best qualities as they strive to become more like their Father in heaven. ■ welcome others. Becoming Like Little Children
Children have incredible energy and enthusiasm. They approach life with excitement and a willingness to par- ticipate. They serve, help, and in- teract without many of the barriers adults sometimes create. Watch chil- dren playing together. They usually do not care about differences in ap - pearance, background, intelligence, language, or social status. They sim- ply see another child. The world often creates divisions, but God does not- Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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