Except You Become As A Child

Ever found yourself in a situation where you're trying to explain something to a grown-up, but they're looking at you like you've just spoken in tongues? You know, that moment when their eyes glaze over, and they start nodding like one of those bobblehead dolls in the backseat of a car? Yeah, that's when you realize, you've just been adulted.

When Adulting Goes Wrong

We've all been there. We're trying to be all serious and responsible, and suddenly, we're speaking in a language that's as foreign to them as if we'd just switched to Klingon. It's like we've forgotten how to communicate with the most basic of humans - kids.

You see, kids, they've got this knack for keeping things simple. They haven't been jaded by life's complexities yet. They haven't learned to overthink, to complicate, to adult. And that's exactly what Jesus was getting at when he said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3, NIV)

Unlearning Adulting

Now, don't get me wrong. Jesus isn't saying we should all go out and start playing with dolls or building sandcastles. He's not telling us to regress, but rather to relearn.

Think about it. When was the last time you marveled at a sunset like a kid? When did you last laugh so hard your belly ached? When did you last ask a question without caring if it made you look silly? That's what Jesus is talking about. He's saying, "Hey, remember when you were a kid? Remember when life was simpler? Remember when you asked questions without fear? Remember when you loved without condition? Yeah, do that again."

The Art of Childishness

It's not about becoming childish, but about becoming childlike. There's a difference, you know. Childish is when you throw a tantrum because you can't have ice cream. Childlike is when you enjoy the ice cream so much that you laugh with delight.

Childish is when you sulk because you didn't get invited to a party. Childlike is when you're happy just playing with your toys at home. Childish is when you complain about the rain. Childlike is when you dance in it.

Conversations with Jesus – Love in Action – Life Lesson No. 87: A

See, kids, they've got this ability to find joy in the simplest of things. They're not bogged down by life's complexities. They're not worried about what others think. They're not afraid to ask questions, to learn, to grow. And that, my friends, is what Jesus is inviting us to do.

Practicing Childlikeness

So, how do we do this? How do we become childlike? Well, it's not as hard as you think. It's actually quite simple. Here are a few tips:

• Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask the silly, the stupid, the seemingly obvious. Remember, there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. And sometimes, even those can be fun.
• Find joy in the small things. That sunset, that ice cream, that laughter. Embrace them. Let them fill you with wonder and delight.
• Don't worry about what others think. Kids don't care if they look silly dancing in the rain. They just dance. Be like that. Be you. Unapologetically.
• Learn and grow. Kids are always learning, always growing. They're not afraid to try new things, to make mistakes. Neither should you be.

And remember, it's okay to adult sometimes. We've got bills to pay, jobs to do, lives to live. But let's not forget to be childlike too. Let's not forget to laugh, to learn, to love without condition. Let's not forget to dance in the rain.

After all, as Jesus said, "Whoever becomes simple like this child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4, NIV)

So, go on. Be childlike. Be great. And most importantly, have fun. Life's too short not to.