Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). These words remind us that God is not looking for proud hearts, self-important attitudes, or people who think they can do everything on their own. He calls us to come to Him with humble, trusting hearts.
Being like a child does not mean acting childish. The Bible says, “When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11). God wants us to grow in wisdom and maturity, but He also wants us to keep a soft heart before Him. A child depends on a parent for guidance, protection, and care. In the same way, we depend on our heavenly Father.
Children are often quick to trust. They may not understand everything, but they know who they belong to. As believers, we are called children of God: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). This means we belong to God, and we can trust His love, His timing, and His ways.
Children also learn by listening and obeying. Peter tells us to live “as obedient children” (1 Peter 1:14). Obedience is not always easy, but it shows that we trust God more than we trust ourselves. When God corrects us, leads us, or tells us to wait, we can respond with faith instead of resistance.
Children are also humble. Jesus said, “Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). The world often teaches us to seek status, attention, and control. But Jesus teaches us that greatness begins with humility. We do not have to pretend to be strong before God. We can admit our need for Him.
The Bible also calls us “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and “children of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5). This means our lives should reflect God’s truth, goodness, and hope. Like children who look to their parents for direction, we look to God to show us how to walk, how to speak, how to forgive, and how to love.
Jesus Himself showed this childlike trust. As a boy, He said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). At the end of His earthly life, He prayed, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). From beginning to end, Jesus lived in obedience and trust toward the Father.
To become as children is to lay down pride and come close to God with faith. It is to say, “Father, I need You. Teach me. Lead me. Help me obey.” When we live this way, we find the heart of the kingdom: humble trust in the One who loves us perfectly.
Minister A Francine Green, October 2026