september 15, 2022

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:1-5

Devotional

Self-sufficiency: if you’re anything like me, this doesn’t seem like a negative goal. In fact, it almost seems like an accomplishment. The litmus test for success for college graduates is if they are living on their own and doing it all by themselves. I think most parents are very glad that their adult children are out of the house and not relying on them anymore!

But looking at Matthew 18, it seems that self-sufficiency may not be such a good thing. Jesus tells us that we need to “change and become like little children.” As a child, you are dependent upon your parents for so much, and Jesus reminds us as believers that we need to rely on the Lord for everything! Too often we try to do life on our own, through our own strength and determination. But Jesus is calling us to a child-like faith so that we can humble ourselves and trust Him completely, be open and receptive to His will, and let Him be our sustainer and provider. 

Jesus tells us that having a child-like faith allows us to enter and be the “greatest” in the kingdom of heaven. Doesn’t that sound like success to you? Jesus wants us (and the disciples) to redefine our perspective of true greatness and realize that serving, obeying, and trusting God builds a child-like faith.

For Reflection

How would you define greatness in the kingdom of God?

What habits or behaviors do you need to change to become less self-sufficient and more reliant on God?

Prayer

Lord, I need You. I confess that I try to do things on my own, without the power of Your Holy Spirit or even acknowledging I need Your guidance. Heavenly Father, please help me to have a child-like faith today, one in which I fully rely on You for all my needs. In Your heavenly name I pray. Amen.