TOO GROWN?

TOO GROWN?

 During my youth, the resonating voice of ‘Big Mama’ was a larger-than-life presence in African-American neighborhoods.  When any child approached the boundaries of proper decorum and behavior, Big Mama might boom powerfully, “You are getting way too big for your britches…too grown!”  We knew, immediately and instinctively, exactly what she meant and the dire consequences of any failure to comply.  The moment had arrived to settle down and start acting like the ladies-and-gentlemen-in-waiting we were expected to be.

 Big Mama’s corrective diatribes remind me of a signature admonition of Jesus Christ, who is superlatively skillful in summoning us to renewed reflection, responsibility and recognition of our better angels: 

 Matthew 18:2-4 (NKJV)

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.”

 One might query, ‘What is it about CHILDREN that caused THE MASTER to place such high value on their intrinsic nature and disposition?’  Several character traits immediately come to mind.

 CHILDREN REFLECT THE INNOCENCE OF PURE WONDER.  They somehow see the world and its inhabitants in ways as alluring and awesome as any bedtime tale that ever crossed the threshold of their hearing and imagination.  How bright and beautiful are the robins, cardinals, rabbits, turtles, sunflowers and daffodils when glimpsed through the wide-eyed gaze of a young child!  May we adults never become SO GROWN that we lose our ability to observe a dazzling sunset with appreciation or stare in awe at a magnificent rainbow.

 CHILDREN ARE QUICK TO RENEW AND RESTORE.  Mere minutes after the fiercest disagreement, they find it easy to embrace, accept and turn again toward love.  Grudges are a decidedly adult phenomenon, the combative fiefdom of grown-ups who have somehow learned to remember things that are better forgotten and forgiven.

 CHILDREN ARE FUNDAMENTALLY HONEST.  Although they are certainly capable of enacting deception, the truest tendency of a child is to be transparent and authentic.  That is, children tend to smile when they feel happy; they frown or cry when they are feeling sad.  Typically, there are no fake-faces or façades with children.  They are who they are.

 CHILDREN NEED GENUINE INTIMACY AND BONA FIDE SPIRITUALITY.  Therefore, families should be nests of security, safe havens and wombs for personal growth and development.  In such spaces, faith tends to blossom organically and spontaneously, as a divinely-seeded promise and reality.  To wit, our children stand in need of consistent nurture – to be respected, reproved and lovingly touched – by the caring hands of God and the compassionate hands of His people.

 No wonder Jesus Christ held children in such high esteem!  Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) So today, I promise OUR FATHER that I will try my best to become AS A LITTLE CHILD.  I will pause to observe His creation, and I will reflect upon it (and upon Him) with great gratitude, genuine joy and absolute wonder.  I will strive to forgive offenders, just as I am forgiven by Him.  I will be honest, first with myself, and then with others.  I will diligently strive to sustain my spiritual connectivity with Christ and the ‘fellow-children’ who inhabit and steward this mortal plain.  If these four wisdom principles are conscientiously and systematically applied, they will position and prepare me for the Kingdom of Heaven.  Won’t you join me in this world-changing spiritual quest?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!