"Things We Can Learn From Kids"

Christmas is a time for children. Those who know me also know how much children mean to me. They provide a never-ending source of inspiration. Perhaps you remember the passage from Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus calls our attention to some children who were nearby.

“About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.’” (Matthew 18:1-6 NLV).

Cynthia Copeland Lewis lists the following things that we can learn from kids in her book, Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me:

• You can be anything you want to be when you grow up.
• Nobody can pedal the bike for you.
• If you wait until you’re really sure, you’ll never take off your training wheels.
• Nobody notices when your zipper is up, but everyone notices when your zipper is down.
• Sometimes you have to take the test before you’ve finished studying.
• If you’re going to fight, use pillows.
• Before you trade sandwiches, check between the bread.
• You have to eat a lot of cereal before you find the free toy.
• If you want a kitten, start out asking for a horse.
• You don’t have to own a swing to enjoy it.
• It doesn’t matter how fast you’re running with the ball if you’re going in the wrong direction.
• Sometimes the biggest apple has the biggest worm.
• Every castle has a dungeon.
• A little kiss can make a big difference.

And, what in the world does this have to do with the Bible? Go back and read the words of Jesus. When the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest, or who was better, Jesus pointed them to the simple humility and wisdom of children. When I read Ms. Lewis’ list it occurred to me that we have become much too sophisticated in our technopagan world. There are some very simple, easy-to-understand principles in the Scripture that ought to guide us in our daily lives. Perhaps the easiest of these to understand is that which Jesus used when asked what the greatest commandment was? He cited two principles, both revolving around the principle of love. "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39, NLV). You see… a little kiss CAN make a big difference! Who do you need to “kiss” today?