Matthew 18:2-5 makes it clear that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we must become as a little child.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:2-5
Skeptical and Unbelieving Adults
As we grow and mature, we experience failures and disappointments that tend to gradually transform us into skeptical and unbelieving adults from hopeful and believing children. Living in a carnal world primes us to believe much of what we thought was possible as children is impossible as adults.
Surpassing My Abilities
I have been striving to become more like a little child, but I have discovered it is surpassing my abilities to return to an innate state of innocence with the ability to trust, love, and accept. I am coming to understand that “unlearning” adulthood to transform back to a childlike state is very challenging.
With God All Things are Possible
Let’s look again at the book of Matthew when the Lord tells His followers… “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” His disciples asked him, “Who can be saved then?” The Lord said:
With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Since it is required to become as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven/God, and the scriptures tell us it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, these scriptural words reinforce it is a challenge to enter the kingdom of heaven. If Matt. 19:26 is true, then it is not only a challenge, it is impossible for men to enter the kingdom of God without connecting to God who makes all things possible.
Power Greater than any Man Possesses
I truly believe it is impossible to return to being like a child without the power of God. Although I am trying and searching for understanding and knowledge to accomplish the goal to become as a little child, I feel within my inner-self that accessing a greater power than any man possesses is necessary.
Yield to the Enticings of the Holy Spirit
I believe the connection to God begins to happen through the Holy Spirit as stated in the below Book of Mormon scripture. To learn more about connecting to heaven click on the provided link to read the blog I wrote about making this very important connection.
The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be forever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” Mosiah 3: 19
Top Featured Photo by Leo Rivas
