More on dependency

On March 7, I wrote about dependency on God like babies / children are to their parents. This morning, my husband suggested I take a look at 1 Peter 2: 1-3. Verse 2 says, "as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."

From there I went to Matthew 18: 2-6, especially verse 4 which says, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

A small child exhibits trust, an openness, an eagerness to learn that practically disappears as the child grows. God wants each and everyone of us to continue to have these childlike qualities in Him as we grow spiritually. Our knowledge is useful if we remember who we really are, whose we are and who among us is the greatest.

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' " (Matthew 19:14)

"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17)

"do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature."

"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able." (I Corinthians 3: 1-2)

"that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men." (Ephesians 4:14)

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God (truth); and you have to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use (or practice) have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (maturity) (Hebrews 5: 12-14)

Be like children, dependent on another for shelter, for all our needs, fulfillment, and eager to learn, but being careful what you learn.

A parent will teach you to look both ways at the crosswalk before stepping off the curb. He/she will show you why it is important. This is what Jesus teaches. To avoid getting hit, injured, killed. Discernment. Learn what is evil, causes trouble for you. Learn the difference, be obedient to His teachings. Grow spiritually. Be as a babe in Christ, trusting, open, eager, excited, but also mature, having the knowledge of right and wrong, knowing how to discern between the two, determining the right course of action ... in Christ.