As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, it’s easy to lose sight of the timeless wisdom that guided us as children. Yet, in many ways, our faith reminds us that the principles of childhood remain a vital part of our spiritual journey. In fact, Jesus himself taught us to embrace humility and trust like little ones.
In Matthew 18:3-4, Jesus says, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ What does it mean to be like a child? Is it merely an innocence or naivety we’ve outgrown, or is there something deeper at play?
This series aims to explore the biblical wisdom we can glean from our experiences as children and how it applies to our adult lives. We’ll delve into scriptures that highlight the value of curiosity, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of trusting in God’s goodness.
As we reflect on these principles, let us remember that it’s never too late to recapture some of that childlike wonder. By embracing our vulnerabilities and trusting in a loving Father, we can rediscover the joy and freedom that comes with being like a little child.
In the following sections, we’ll examine specific scriptures from the Bible that offer valuable insights into the wisdom of childhood. We’ll explore how these principles can be applied to everyday life, helping us cultivate a deeper sense of faith and trust in God’s goodness.
Biblical Context and Key Passages
When we reflect on the phrase ‘do not be afraid,’ it’s easy to overlook its origins in Scripture. Yet, this reassuring command appears numerous times throughout the Bible, reminding us that fear has no place in our lives as followers of God.
One notable instance is found in Isaiah 41:10, where the prophet writes, ‘‘Do not be afraid; I am with you. From the east I will bring help to you again, and once more you will strengthen those who live in Jerusalem.’‘ In this passage, God reminds His people that He is always present, guiding and protecting them.
Another key passage is found in Matthew 14:27-31, where Jesus walks on water. When his disciples are struggling to stay afloat, Jesus reassures them by saying, ‘‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’‘ In this moment, Jesus shows His power and control over the storm, reminding us that He is always in charge.
Additionally, Psalm 23:4 highlights God’s presence in times of fear, stating, ‘‘Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.’‘ This psalm reminds us that God is our constant companion, guiding us through life’s challenges.
- These passages demonstrate the consistent theme of God’s presence and reassurance in Scripture.
- By embracing this truth, we can learn to trust in His goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening.
Main Themes of When I Was a Child
Biblical wisdom encourages us to recapture some of the innocence and wonder we experienced as children. This means embracing curiosity, being open to new experiences, and having a sense of awe for the world around us.
When Jesus says ‘unless you change and become like little children,’ he’s not suggesting that we return to a state of naivety or ignorance. Rather, he’s pointing to the importance of humility, trust, and faith in our relationship with God.
As we navigate adulthood, it’s easy to lose sight of these qualities. We can become jaded, cynical, and fearful. But the Bible reminds us that our faith is not just about intellectual assent or rote obedience; it’s about living a life of trust, hope, and surrender to God.
This series will explore how we can recapture some of that childlike wonder in our lives today. We’ll look at key passages from the Bible that speak to the value of curiosity, forgiveness, and trusting in God’s goodness.
- Letting go of fear and embracing trust
- Cultivating a sense of awe and wonder for creation
Practical Application Today
We can apply these principles from our childhood experiences to everyday life. For example, when faced with uncertainty or fear, we can choose to respond in faith rather than anxiety.
This might mean taking time each day to reflect on God’s presence and reassurance in Scripture, such as Isaiah 41:10 or Matthew 14:27-31. We can remind ourselves that He is always with us, guiding and protecting us.
Practically, this could look like setting aside quiet time each morning for prayer and reflection, or finding a trusted friend or mentor to share our fears and doubts with. By doing so, we can learn to trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or frightening.
- Setting aside regular time for prayer and reflection
- Finding accountability and support from others
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the biblical wisdom of when I was a child, it’s clear that embracing our vulnerabilities and trusting in God’s goodness is essential for living a life of faith. By recapturing some of that childlike wonder, we can rediscover the joy and freedom that comes with being like a little child.
As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, let us remember that it’s never too late to embody the qualities of humility, trust, and curiosity that Jesus taught us. By doing so, we’ll find ourselves better equipped to face life’s challenges with confidence and faith.
May this series have encouraged you to reflect on your own experiences as a child and how they can inform your adult life. May you be renewed in your trust in God’s goodness and presence, and may you walk in the joy and freedom that comes from being like a little child.