faith like a child

Today we will talk about faith like a child. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be in a meditative state as we read through God’s word. The invitation to have a childlike faith is not just a cute metaphor; it is an essential teaching that Jesus shares with us. The Bible calls us to embrace a type of faith that echoes the dependence, trust, and wonder often found in children. This kind of faith is not merely an emotion but a stance of the heart that believes wholly in God, free from the doubts and complexities that adults often encounter. Let us lean into this joyful journey together, exploring what it means to have faith like a child.

Childlike Trust and Dependence

When we think about children, several attributes come to mind: innocence, trust, and a simple outlook on life. This childlike trust is the kind of faith Jesus talks about when He invites us to possess a faith like a child. In Hebrew, the word for faith (emunah) suggests reliability and trustworthiness, an unwavering belief in something or someone. In Greek, the term for faith (pistis) embodies belief grounded in conviction, which is exactly what children have in their parents or guardians.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus teaches, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This verse emphasizes the necessity of embracing the trust and simplicity inherent in childlike faith. Children naturally rely on their parents for support, love, and sustenance. They believe what their parents tell them, often without question. This is the essence of faith we are called to embody.

The Gospel accounts provide countless examples of childlike faith. Consider the story of the child who offered his loaves and fishes to Jesus (John 6:9). This boy had no doubt that Jesus could perform a miracle, so he willingly offered what he had, confident that it would be enough. His faith was uncomplicated and genuine, a perfect model for how we should approach God with our needs and desires.

Furthermore, in Mark 10:14, Jesus expresses His displeasure when His disciples attempted to hinder the children from coming to Him. He says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” This declaration not only highlights Jesus’ love for children but also serves to underline the value of their simple, trusting faith. As adults, we often complicate our faith with skepticism and questions, but children are quick to believe and embrace the love of God. They are not burdened by the doubts that often plague adults.

We can learn a great deal from children in our own faith journey. Let us follow their lead and develop a simple trust in God. The beauty of faith like a child lies in its willingness to trust completely and its readiness to believe without the need for exhaustive proof. God desires a relationship with us built on trust and openness, just like the one a child shares with their parent.

Innocence and Awe in Faith

Innocence is another key characteristic of childlike faith. Children see the world through a lens of amazement and wonder. Everything is new and exciting to them. They have not yet been tainted by the harsh realities of life or the disillusionment that can come with experience. This uncomplicated view allows them to engage with faith more deeply, seeing God’s creation and miracles with fresh eyes every day.

Psalm 8:2 tells us, “Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have established strength.” This verse affirms how children’s pure expressions of faith and wonder resonate with God. When we approach God with awe, we allow ourselves to experience His majesty and grandeur in a way that ignites joy and reverence within us.

When Jesus performed miracles, the reactions of those who exhibited childlike faith are instructive. For example, when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:39), His disciples were filled with awe, realizing they were in the presence of something extraordinary. This childlike amazement is another vital aspect of faith. Our faith should be characterized by a vibrant awe at the wonders of God and a readiness to learn and grow.

Additionally, children often express their faith through joy and enthusiasm. Remember the story of Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:4)? His excitement was palpable, and when Jesus called him down, Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Him. Children don’t hold back their emotions; they express joy and gratitude freely. This expression is vital in our walk with God, embodying the connection and relationship that faith in Him can foster within us.

As adults, we may find ourselves losing the wonder and awe as we face life’s challenges. We might begin to see God merely as a distant figure instead of a loving Father. Reconnecting with that childlike innocence can be liberating. We must aim to rekindle our imagination and trust, embracing the excitement that comes with being part of God’s family. Such faith allows for the exploration of God’s nature and His work in our lives, leading to a joyous and fulfilling relationship.

Faith Unencumbered by Doubt

One of the significant barriers adults face in experiencing faith fully is doubt. We question, we analyze, and we often allow our apprehensions to hinder our belief. Children, on the other hand, are remarkably unencumbered by doubt. They exhibit an innate trust that what they believe is true. James 1:6 reminds us, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” If we are to have faith like children, we must put aside our doubts and trust in God’s promises wholeheartedly.

In John 20:27, Jesus invites Thomas, who struggled with doubt after His resurrection, to touch Him and believe. This moment underlines that Jesus understands our struggles but calls us to faith regardless. He desires for us to let go of our reservations and uncertainties and step into the fullness of belief in Him. Like a child who believes their parent will keep them safe, we can find solace in trusting that God has our best interests at heart.

In Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises the Father for revealing truths to the simple and humble, stating, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” This echoes the notion that it is often the innocent and childlike who can receive the fullness of God’s truth. As adults, we might pride ourselves on our knowledge, yet sometimes it is the simplicity of a child’s heart that resonates most with God’s will.

The Bible encourages us to cast our doubts upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), reminding us that He cares about our struggles and insecurities. In allowing ourselves to let go of doubt, we open our hearts to receive the faith and assurance He offers. This transformation paves the way for a richer relationship with Christ, where trust replaces skepticism and fears are cast aside for the fortified belief in His plan for our lives.

Having faith like a child means we reject the layers of complexity that adulthood brings. It urges us to return to a state of being where we rely on God and trust Him without reservation. Let us be deliberate about laying aside our doubts and letting our faith blossom in the light of God’s promises.

Persistent and Bold Faith

Children are remarkably persistent when they want something. They approach their parents with unwavering courage, often repeatedly asking for what they crave until they receive an answer. This tenacious nature is something we can learn from when we engage in prayer and faith. Jesus encourages us to be bold and persistent in our requests through parables such as the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). This story illustrates that God wants us to bring our needs to Him continuously, assuring us that our efforts will not go unnoticed.

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus tells us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” The promise here is that persistence is key – God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, just like a child who never tires of seeking affection and assurance from a loving parent.

Children understand that parental love often leads to answers, whether it is through provision or guidance. They have an expectation that their parents will respond to their needs. This kind of anticipation is vital in our faith journey. We can approach God with the same sense of boldness and confidence, knowing that He hears our prayers and cares for our requests. Our pursuit of God should be active, reflecting the fervency of a child in quest of a loving relationship.

Furthermore, Matthew 17:20 tells us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This is a beautiful reminder that the size of our faith is not what matters; it is the sincerity and persistence of that faith that God values. When we approach Him as children would, we allow our faith to be potent and effective in its expectations. God delights in fulfilling the desires of our hearts, especially when we come to Him unabashedly and sincerely.

By adopting a persistent attitude towards our prayers and requests, we align ourselves with a faith that is alive and thriving. Striving for that childlike boldness can be a remarkable and transformative journey, showcasing the eagerness and trust we place in God’s infinite wisdom and love.

Final Thoughts

In our discussion on faith like a child, we learned that this approach to faith is characterized by trust, innocence, awe, and persistence. Jesus calls us to embrace the simple yet transformative nature of childlike faith, inviting us to shed the complexities and doubts that often cloud our belief. We are encouraged to express our trust in God without reservation, knowing that He delights in our childlike approach.

Just as children seek assurance and love from their parents, we too are invited to seek God with open, expectant hearts. By learning from their boldness and wonder, we can fortify our relationship with God, fostering an environment of trust that leads to richer faith. Ultimately, it is this kind of faith that allows us to experience the fullness of His love and provision in our lives.

As we continue on our spiritual journey, let us strive to cultivate faith like a child—a faith that is unwavering, innocent, and persistent. In doing so, we can better appreciate the simple, yet incredible love our Father has for us, and in turn, reflect that love to the world around us.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

faith like a child