Become as Little Children

   Once the disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Considering that they expected Jesus to bring about an earthly kingdom, I can only imagine they were pretty surprised by his answer.
     "Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:2-4 NKJV)
     I suppose this idea of humility was difficult for these men and women to grasp.   It is still a challenge for us today.  Of course, the Master was exactly right.  We can learn a lot about humility from watching little children.  Actually, we can learn many things from being involved with young ones.
     Both last Wednesday night and tonight our Bible class time was busy!  I only had three students, but if you know much about 2's and 3's, you know 3 students at one time can be plenty.  I love teaching my Bible class.  Sometimes it gets pretty hectic.  Sometimes when my day at work has been really busy, I am tired before I ever start.  But no matter how challenging the children may be, I am always reminded of God's love. 
     Last week my night started off very cheerily as the first student arrived.  He greeted me with a smile and said, "I'm glad you're here!"  Well, of course that made me smile too -- because that is often what I tell the children as they come into the classroom. 
      As Christians we should always make others feel like we are happy to be with them, (especially our church family).  We also should act in such a way that they are happy to be around us.  Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  (ESV)  I must say that my Bible class students give me a joyful heart!
     Last week was not all smiles, however.  When the next student arrived, the story was a little different.  He usually comes in with a bright smile on his face too.  This time though, he clung to his mother at the doorway.  He didn't want to stay in class.  I was able to convince him to stay by telling him we were going to "cut" tonight.  Children this age love to use scissors. 
      I was glad I was able to encourage him to stay.  "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."  (Proverbs 12: 25 ESV)  I'm not sure why my little friend didn't want to stay with us at first; but by giving him something to look forward to - (or giving him a good word) he was convinced to stay in class. 
      It is important to know and care about others enough to be able to give them a cheerful word and ease their anxieties whenever we can.  This is true for people of all ages.  Colossians 3:12 tells us - "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."  My Bible class students have sweet compassionate hearts and they teach me these traits.  It is honor to teach these children!
     A few minutes later, my little girl came in.  She had her doll in tow and her pacifier in her mouth.  She immediately gave both to me so that I could put them aside for the time being.  I try my best to get the children to do this during class time; but if they are reluctant or fretful I don't push the issue.  'Cindy' (not her real name) has been in class long enough that she is comfortable  there.  She is used to the routine. 
     What keeps coming back to me is how sweet and humble my little Cindy is when she hands over her pacifier.  Jesus did tell us "that we must humble ourselves as little children."  We must learn this trait of humility.  As we come to weekly Bible study, we should do so with humble hearts and open minds.  We should be ever striving to learn more about God's word.  We can't reach others to teach them the truth if we don't have this quiet spirit of meekness.
       Anyway, back to last week -- when it was time for our handwork, the young man I had talked into staying was definitely ready.  He attends pre-school and is already familiar with using scissors.  He went right to work as soon as I showed him what to do.  And he did it with great gusto.  I was very proud of him. 
      It occurred to me that we should have the same enthusiasm for our Bible class studies and discussions as he had doing his take home activity.  We should all be excited about any work we do for the Lord.  As God's people, we can influence this world for good if we only remember, that whatever we do "in word or deed" we should do "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  (Colossians 3:17 ESV)
     The other two students didn't have the same experience in using scissors as he did.  They are both a year younger.   But they both wanted to try to do it "by myself," as they put it.  Again, this is the age where young children want to do everything on their own. 
     'Cindy' took her scissors and made a couple of small cuts on her paper, but she knew she was in over her head.  She put her scissors down and waited.  
     "Don't you want to cut out your picture?"
     "Yes, .. but I need help."
      "Do you want me to do it for you?"
      "I started ... see?" 
       "You did a good job!"
      "Yeah, but will you finish for me?  I can't finish it."
Of course, I helped her.  As adults we don't always realize we are "in over our heads."  We don't remember to ask God to help us.  Sometimes we need Him to finish things for us, right?  God will be our Helper anytime we ask Him.  But do we remember to ask?
    'Sam' (not his real name either) tried for a little longer than Cindy did.  He wanted to do the job by himself -- but he wasn't making much progress.  We were running out of time. I ended up helping him cut his picture out too. 
     He was a little disappointed that I took that task over; but I quickly gave him the construction paper to which he was supposed to attach the picture that had been cut out.  Now that --he could do himself and he was very happy to do so!  Helping a child to learn and grow is so important!
     We should encourage the accomplishments of our children!  They won't have the desire to keep trying if we don't.  A little encouragement goes a long way toward motivating one to continue to try new and more challenging tasks.  And that doesn't just apply to youngsters! 
    Everyone needs encouragement.  Loving our fellow Christians as we should - understanding that we are all members of the body of Christ -- we should have a strong desire to keep that body healthy.  After all, we are talking about our Lord and Savior here.  One way to keep the body strong, united - edified -- is through encouragement!!
       It is late and I have probably rambled more than I should.  I love my Wednesday nights.  I love teaching the 2 and 3 year olds.  They teach me much more than I could ever teach them.  We must remember that Jesus told us we should be more like the little children.
     These are just a few things I learned last week from my 2 and 3 year old Bible class students.  We should be glad to see one another. We should be willing to put one another at ease by giving "a good word."  Maybe we should even learn that putting away something we love for a little while -- in order to put someone else first (as my precious Cindy willingly handed her doll and her pacifier over) is sometimes necessary. 
    We should engage in our Bible study enthusiastically. We should be willing to help others when they need it and to ask for help when WE need it.  We should be willing to congratulate one another on a job well done.  And we should always, always be willing to help one another grow!!  After all, don't we all want to go to heaven together?

Christ above all things,
Robin