velop. Without humility, spiritual growth becomes impossible. The Bi- ble describes those God looks toward in Isaiah 66:2: “For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” A humble person recognizes their need for God. They are teachable and willing to change. Young children often display this humility natural- ly. They do not usually worry about their reputation, social standing, or how others perceive them. They are willing to ask questions, admit they do not know something, and seek help from those they trust. Children look to their parents as a source of strength and protection. They understand that they cannot do everything on their own. Spiritually, this is the attitude God desires from His people in Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Christians must maintain an attitude that recognizes complete dependence on their Father in Heaven. Sincerity and Purity of Heart Children are usually sincere. They often say exactly what they think and feel. They have not yet learned the masks and pretenses that adults sometimes develop. A child can of- ten recognize when someone is be-
ing insincere. They can sense when words and actions do not match. God desires that same sincerity from His people. In Joshua 24:14 it states: “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!” The apostle Paul also recorded in 1 Corinthians 5:8: “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Sincerity and purity are of great im- portance to God. Without them no one can develop His character. The Apostle Peter compared spiritual growth to the hunger of a newborn child in 1 Peter 2 verses 1-3: “Therefore, laying aside all mal - ice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow there - by, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Children desire attention, connec- tion, and time with those they love. Likewise, God’s people must seek a deeper relationship with God and with one another. Christians should take time to listen, encourage, sup- port, and bear one another’s burdens. True fellowship requires sincerity. Trust Children have an amazing ability to trust those who care for them. When a parent is nearby, a child feels se- cure. They believe they are protected
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Children are a blessing and a respon- sibility given by God. But is the rela- tionship between adults and children only one direction? Are children only learners, while adults are only teach- ers? Jesus Christ revealed something very important about this relationship in Mark 10:13-15: “Then they brought little chil - dren to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was great - ly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’” Christ’s statement is profound. If we must become like little children to enter God’s Kingdom, then there are important qualities in children that we must learn and imitate. Children are not perfect. They must be taught, corrected, and guided. Yet they often possess character traits that adults can lose over time. Through care- ful examination and development of these qualities Christians draw closer to God while actively preparing for eternal life in His Kingdom. Humility Humility is the foundation that al- lows all other godly qualities to de-
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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