Faith Like A Child

12-18-2009
Jesus Blesses Little Children

One of my favorite Jars of Clay songs is “Faith Like a Child.” The entire song is powerful, and one of the paragraphs summarizes our faith walk incredibly.
“They say that love can heal the broken
They say that hope can make you see
They say that faith can find a Savior
If you would follow and believe
With Faith Like a Child”

My wife and I took a group of the Dallas Patriots kids to a homeless shelter last night, and though I shed a few tears as I looked at how broken many of the individuals were, I shed tears of joy as I interacted with a few kids at the shelter. Here were kids that had every right to be down and out, as most kids spend time playing with their friends, and these kids were waiting in line to get some food, hoping to find a bathroom in the shelter to use, and waiting for some toothpaste to be delivered, yet they had hope in their eyes. One 8 year old boy was so excited as he was getting to watch the movie Terminator with his dad. Another little girl and I made eye contact, and as I waved she grinned from ear to ear. These kids seemed as happy as could be, when the truth is they had every right to be sad and hurt. If only we could see the world the way a little child does.

Children have an amazing view of life. They haven’t been beaten down by the world. They dream big and find the good in people. A child can have fun in just about any situation if you will allow them. A child will jump into their parent’s arms without hesitation because they know their mom or dad will catch them. The thought of their parents dropping them never enters their mind. When a child sees us in the homeless shelter they embrace us with the love only a child can give!

Matthew 19:13-14 says the following:

“13Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”

Children have the right attitude, trust, and humility. They keep things simple and retain pure hearts. As we age we tend to complicate things, worry, and lose faith. Let’s have faith like a child and simply follow and believe!

Application:
1. Read Matthew 19:13-15
2. Listen to the song “Faith Like A Child” by Jars of Clay