Article January 1, 1996 Issue

Trusting God "as a little child"

Andrea Miller

I Particularly love the gospel story of the time young children were brought to see Jesus. The disciples tried to discourage those who brought them, but Jesus said: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid then not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein" (Mark 10:14, 15). Then he embraced the little ones and blessed them.

Why do you suppose it was that Jesus linked children with the attainment of heaven? Wouldn't it be because the joy, vitality, innocence, and purity children so naturally express—along with their inherent love for and trust in good—are some of the Godlike qualities we need to embody if we're to experience the bliss of God's kingdom? Happily, these qualities belong to each one of us as the offspring of our heavenly Father. Yet somehow, as we mature, they may seem more elusive—perhaps because of the sophistication of education and the disillusionment of human experience. Mary Baker Eddy observes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "Jesus loved little children because of their freedom from wrong and their receptiveness of right. While age is halting between two opinions or battling with false beliefs, youth makes easy and rapid strides towards Truth" (p. 236).

People generally believe that man is mortal, subject to a vast array of sinful conditions and illnesses to which he must sooner or later succumb. This daunting prospect can wear on one unless the belief is regularly challenged. But the Bible helps us be alert to reject such limiting and matter-based theories. Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, us about God's protecting care and love for His children, and Jesus' works demonstrated that man is as immortal and free from discord as his creator. Jesus' ministry is packed with healings and apparently miraculous manifestations of God's power.

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