Article November 9, 1929 Issue

"As little children"

ROBERT S. VAN ATTA

Jesus taught his followers to be childlike. Evidently some of them found it difficult to be so, for it is related that they fell into dispute as to who should be greatest, and asked him to decide the question for them. He told them that he who would be the greatest must become the least; and he impressed the lesson upon them by calling a little child into the midst and saying to them, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus was the master Teacher. A simple act, a few words, and there was the lesson so clear that a child could understand it! And yet, how often we forget those simple lessons; how often we drift away from the purity and humility that characterize childhood, and allow ourselves to beocme confused and befogged by believing that we have minds of our own apart from God, upon which we can depend for guidance, strength, or ability! And then how we long to escape the sickness and sin which follow as the result of mental confusion, and, like the prodigal son, yearn to return to our Father's house!

God's children are always dear to Him. Childlikeness on our part enables us to see that we are near as well as dear. What, then, is this childlikeness which can keep us always in unity with our Father-Mother God? The average child is teachable; it is obedient, willing, humble. Joy and gladness are other outstanding qualities of childhood. Unquestioning trust in the care and wisdom of parents, complete confidence that its needs will be met, eager expectancy of good—these all characterize the child-thought. Children are not given to worry. They are apt to take each day as it comes with no anxious thought for the future; and, generally, they are not afraid.

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