As adults, we are easily distracted from what is truly important, just like the disciples were (Mark 9:33-34). “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matt. 18:1-4)

Babies don’t get so busy that they forget to eat. They stop everything–even fun times or sleep or their mother’s sleep–when their tummies tell them they are hungry. Single-mindedly, they’ll voice their displeasure at their hunger until it is satisfied.

I wonder if part of what Jesus meant when He said we were to have the faith of a little child meant letting our thirst for Him drive us toward His Word and His presence until we are fully satisfied? Although impatience is a response that runs contrary to the Bible’s teaching, insistence–like that of a nursing child with milk on its mind–marks the life of a Jesus follower who will bypass distractions in order to have those needs fulfilled.

Is it like this at your house? You head for your Bible and the cozy chair reserved for time alone with the Lord, feeding on His Word and focusing on Him. On the way, you notice the washing machine beeping, the phone rings, your cup of coffee needs to be reheated or you receive a notification from social media that first garners your attention. An hour later, you have yet to sink into that cozy chair and “eat”. Two hours later…

What infant would be so easily distracted from its mission? The child’s hunger is reason enough to let everything else in its world fade away. In our hunger for Jesus, let’s be like little children today. Resolve to “come as a child”–focused and determined–to the answer to your soul’s hunger–Jesus, with humble and sincere hearts, dependent upon Him.

Sources:

  • Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
  • Mornings With Jesus 2017