Matthew 18:4. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” KINGDOM LIVING – NOW! Large as life – full of self importance; Comparing to see who gets the big job. Looking for glory and glamour and greatness; But “no,” a humble child is set there before. Not just a child, but a child who is little – With fear: intimidated by those who are big. Full of trust, knowing the love of Jesus; Silently being a living testimony of grace. Quiet in humility, trusting in inadequacy, loving in appreciation – KINGDOM LIVING!
Straying, lost, helpless and so terribly alone – Far away – “let him go – he’s not the right material.” “He getting his desserts for what he has done;” “What he sows, he reaps, that is scriptural.” But “no” – he is the Father’s little one. Leave those that are safe, secure and well-fed; Go after the straying, make search, look and find – Find your poor brother – listen, speak – hear what’s not said. Bring him back to the fold, tend him, his hurts bind. KINGDOM LIVING!
Hurtful words; accusations false, told far and wide – Reputation in jeopardy; “standing for truth” – with clenched fist. The danger is real – to retaliate, justify, defend what is mine. But self in any form is sinful – why use it to defend righteousness? Wait in silence – someday he will come – when he does; Forgive him! But it has happened, again and again! The rumor spreads and has traveled coast to coast – Forgive him! Bitterness takes all, gives nothing to gain. And joy is freedom, contentment great gain, forgiveness gives peace. KINGDOM LIVING!
“How Christ-like it is Father, to trust like a child, go after the straying and forgive the hurtful. I want to be like my Lord in all of these areas where I live in danger of being like my old self. I want it to be really true – “for me to live is Christ.” In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”