For children, every day is ripe with everything new. Wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, they live moment by moment, unchained by the weights of the world and awaiting a life full of surprises.
What can we learn from the charm of childhood? Do children have secrets for adults to live free, content and alive with wonder?
I believe we have a lot to learn from children, so much so that it can be life changing.
For starters, children have parents who care for their daily needs. I know there are sad exceptions, but typically children don’t fear unpaid bills, unfair comparisons or meeting unrealistic expectations.
In general, their mom and dad provide for all their needs, including food shelter, clothing, and memorable experiences. How would adults live if we knew our needs would be met daily, regardless of the circumstances?
We have that opportunity through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We’re told in the Bible that He loves us more than the sparrows, who live without worry about food or shelter.
Those who place their trust in God to provide are promised to have all they need, and more, as assured in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
This promise comes with a premise for children of God, as explained in Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Humbly living in the moment, like a child.
Maybe that’s why Jesus held a particular fascination for little ones, teaching us to come to Him like children. In Matthew 18:3, he told His followers, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
What did He mean by that? A hint can be found in what He said next: “So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
We adults are too demanding of the world, too expectant for it to serve our needs, too one-sided in our unreasonable expectations. A child just takes things as they come, humbly living in the moment. Adults can, too.
Of course, you still should plan, strategize and make sensible choices in your life. But then, having done all you can do, committing it to God and asking Him for help and trusting Him for the outcome regardless — that’s the secret to contentment.
After all, don’t a child’s parents love to answer their kid’s requests? So does our heavenly Father.
To plaster on a self-made layer of worry and unrealistic expectations puts you back on the throne of your life and supplanting God.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:6-7, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.”
Contentment requires a prerequisite. It presupposes that there is Someone in charge and that Someone isn’t you. Theologians refer to the sovereignty of God, meaning that He is not only in control of our world, and lives, but wiser in its administration than we could ever dream of being.
For anyone, any age, in any condition, we can have this contentment, provision and peace. But it starts with a right relationship with God, and what Jesus has done for us.
Could you imagine living your life like a child, totally dependent on God for whatever goodness He chooses for you?
If so, start with a simple prayer to God, acknowledging you believe in who Jesus is, and what He has done. Read the Book of John in the Bible for a solid foundation for this faith. Then, ask God to be the Lord of your life.
Then, you can wake up each day, filled with awe and wonder for what lies ahead. Trust me, it’s a journey filled with adventure and unexpected surprises.
How About You?
Have you personally met your Heavenly Father? He is more than willing to meet you. Just make sure to come by the right way, as shared in John 14:6,13: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me … And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.’”
— D.C. Collier is a Bible teacher, discipleship mentor and writer focused on Christian apologetics. A mechanical engineer and internet entrepreneur, he is the author of My Origin, My Destiny, a book focused on Christianity’s basic “value proposition.” Click here for more information, or contact him at don@peervalue.com. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.