Like a Child

Like a Child

Hello everyone. Welcome to “Notes From the Presence.” In the past week or two, our neighbourhood children have been at home because of spring break. Despite the fact that they might be home much longer than usual due to the covid-19 virus, it has been delightful to see them playing and laughing in our cul-de-sac. I have been watching as they make up scenarios, act out stories, and conquer the world on their bicycles. 

I am praying (and I am certain that you are as well) that their worlds will return to normal soon, that the covid-19 virus will not keep them from their schools and classrooms for too long, and that they will learn to face the world without fear.

As I have watched them, the following verses have been coming to my mind:

Luke 18:16-17 (CEV) So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom. You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child!” 

Matthew 18:3 (CEV) Then Jesus said: I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. 

Over the years I have seen a long list of child-like character qualities attached to these verses – from humble, to teachable, to submissive, and trusting. Today, I would like to add my own rendition, something that has come to me as I have watched our neighbourhood children play.

I believe that one of the most remarkable qualities of children is their ability to dream, make up stories, and imagine things. Then, once they imagine a story or scenario in their minds, they act it out. This is called play. They will do so as individuals, or also in groups. Child psychologists tell us that if children are robbed of their play, it has serious adverse affects on their development. Play is serious business to a child. This week, I have come to believe that a big part of what Jesus was talking about in reference to children, was their ability to seeinto the imaginary world and play. 

Over the years, I have come to experience the kingdom of God in much the same way – by dreaming, seeing into the world of the spirit, and then acting out my dreams (AKA playing). Kingdom culture is dream culture. In order to enter it, you must be able to embrace a sanctified imagination. Jesus obviously loved this type of approach to life enough to give it a shout-out in two of the gospels. In fact, if you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, there is no other way.

So, let’s go conquer the world on our bicycles everyone. Let your imagination partner together with Jesus–dream big, then play hard!!

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Cheers, Dean