Title: A Child Shall Lead Them / Topic: Humility

Today's Reading: Matthew 17; Matthew 18; Matthew 19

Scripture: Matthew 18:2-4
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Observation: The disciples had just asked who was the greatest in heaven. I'm sure they were quite surprised when he used a child as an example in answer to their question. Who is the greatest in heaven? Anyone who humbles himself as a child. In fact, Jesus goes so far as to say that no one can even enter heaven without changing and becoming like a humble child.

Application: My opinions don't really matter much to God. My accomplishments don't matter much either. What God considers to be most important is my degree of teachableness. Do I accept correction easily? Do I have to win arguments and be “right” or can I see the viewpoint of others and reconsider my position on issues? Do I persist in behaviors or opinions that are contrary to what God states to be truth in his Word just to assert my own authority? To what degree am I like a child in humility and responsiveness to God's parental authority over me? Am I a compliant or rebellious child of the Father? If I perceive myself to be humble and teachable but others consider me to be arrogant, do I consider that they might be able to see me better than I see myself? These questions deserve deep reflection and not quick answers.

Prayer: Father, I want to be great by being teachable and humble. You have put other people in my life who can see my blind spots when I cannot but I receive no benefit from their insight if I'm too arrogant to listen to what they say. I cannot judge my own heart with accuracy. I need your Holy Spirit to show me my hidden motives. Help me to see myself as I truly am and to have the wisdom to humbly change and grow wiser by doing so.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.