Copyright 2005 (c) by Rev. A. M. Buchanan. All rights reserved.

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Have you ever wondered if there was something we could learn from a little child that has such value that it could determine whether or not we get into Heaven? You may ask how could a little child possibly teach me anything? After all, how much could a little child know? We have to teach them not to talk to strangers, how to read, write, dress themselves, brush their teeth and even what to eat.

Perhaps it's not what a little child knows that we need to learn, but how they behave. It is true that they are not always obedient and they may not like to eat their vegetables, but how does a little child act towards their parent.

1. They love unconditionally
2. They trust without questioning
3. They believe what you say
4. They depend on you to supply their needs
5. They count on your protection
6. They are thankful for little things
7. In their eyes you are the greatest

Most of all they are humble. They know they are small and powerless beings in a world full of mighty and evil giants. Yet when they hold your hand or they are in your arms they are fearless.

So why would we need to consider these attributes of children? Take a look at what Jesus has to say: Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (KJV) Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)

Jesus used the innocence and openness of children to show us the kind of attitude we need to have if we expect to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We are to love the Lord Unconditionally even if it means our own death. This type of love is a choice and does not require us to have warm fuzzy feelings. We are to trust the Lord. He is the "Good Shepherd" and means us no harm: John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (KJV)

We are to believe what He says. God does not lie nor can He: Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (KJV)

We are to depend on the Lord to supply our needs: Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV)

We are to trust the Lord for His protection: Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (KJV) Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. (KJV)

We are to thank God for all things no matter how small they may seem: Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (KJV) Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (KJV)

In our eyes God should be the Greatest: Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (KJV) 1 Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. (KJV) Psalms 136:5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. (KJV) Jeremiah 51:15 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. (KJV) Proverbs 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. (KJV) Jeremiah 51:15 He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. (KJV) Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, (KJV)

We are to be open and humble. There is no point in trying to hide anything from the Lord because He knows your every thought and deed. Ps 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. (KJV) So knowing this we should confess our sins to the Lord: I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) We are to be humble: Psalms 10:17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: (KJV) James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV) 1 Peter 5:5-7 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (KJV)

Jesus freely gives His blessing to those who receive it trustingly. Entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven requires childlike humility. Anyone that does not receive God's kingdom as a gift now with the same trusting attitude of a child will never enter it and will be excluded from eternal life. Eternal Life is not gained by any works of the flesh (our good deeds, church attendance, or charity) or because we deserve it. We must take the Lord at His word. Believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead. We must trust the Word of God that Jesus Christ has paid our debt in full.

If we as believers are trusting the Lord as little children trust their fathers, then we are His children and heirs to all He has promised us.