Article August 24, 1946 Issue

Childlikeness the Passport to Heaven

PATRICK J. HAMBROOK

When the disciples asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" he "called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:1—3). This simple, direct statement is as applicable today as when it was uttered by the Master, and it should receive prayerful consideration from every individual.

Mary Baker Eddy defines "heaven" in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," thus (p. 587): "Harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." To attain this heavenly state, childlike qualities of thought are not only desirable but essential. On pages 323 and 324 of the same book we read, "Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea." How important, then, it is for us to retain, maintain, and if necessary regain the promise, freshness, spontaneity, innocence, and joy that naturally characterize little children.

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary indicates that "childlikeness" denotes "those qualities of childhood worthy of respect or emulation," and should not be confused with "childishness," which portrays childhood's "less pleasing and less admirable characteristics." A lively expectancy of good unmixed with doubt, a spontaneous affection that includes all and excludes none, a sincerity unfeigned, a receptivity to right ideas—these are some of the qualities of the little child, qualities which are inherent in those who love and reflect God, good.

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