November 1 - Childlike, not Childish!

 Read today’s texts first: Psalms 121; Mark 9,10

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

There’s a big difference between the beauty of
childlikeness and the beast of childishness.

The older I get, the more fun I have, especially now as a grandpa.  I love kids.  I love their open-eyed innocence and ready willingness to do whatever they can to help.  I remember my own daughter, Carissa, at age 3, trying to help me baby-sit her little brother, Greg, by washing his hair... in the toilet.  She really was just trying to help!

Of course, I also remember the other times when Carissa and Greg battled over who was in charge of the playroom.  There’s a big difference between the beauty of childlikeness and the beast of childishness.

Mark 9 and 10 illustrate that contrast.  Jesus encouraged His disciples, who often let adult reasoning overpower their belief (10:19), to simply believe Him with child-like faith (9:36,37; 10:14,15).  Wide-eyed wonder and pure acceptance of God’s Word is actually the height of spiritual maturity.  Unfortunately, His disciples often exhibited childish immaturity.  Twice, right after Jesus relayed the sobering news of His impending death and resurrection, the disciples began arguing about which one of them will be in charge of the playroom (9:31-34; 10:32-37).

“Lord, my prayer is that as I grow old, I will also grow up, losing my tendencies to be self-centered and childish, but never losing touch with that innocent and pure faith in my Father.  Remind me of this prayer each time I hold Gracie, my youngest granddaughter.  May I learn to say with David, who managed to preserve that childlike awe and dependence on God, I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (121:1).”