BECOMING LITTLE CHILDREN
Jesus informed His disciples one day: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:3) A childlike heart allows you to change your life. Several years ago in Nairobi, Kenya, I saw an example of such a change.
I stood on a street corner in Koma Rock Estate observing people as they passed by. My eyes caught the eyes of a young 13-year-old girl staring at me. Teresia approached me and asked if she could have a pen pal from the USA. We exchanged addresses. I inquired about her family and asked if Dorothy and I could come to her home to study the Bible.
Before my first study in Teresias home I learned that her mother and aunt lived together; each had several children, but neither had ever been married. I wondered how they were going to react to what I would teach them. It did not take long to find out. The aunt left in the middle of the first study and never returned. Teresia, her mother and two of Teresia's cousins remained in the studies. After two studies it became evident that all understood the message. I emphasized that each must make a personal decision and commitment to follow Jesus.
Late one morning on my day off I heard a knock at our door. I was surprised to see Lucy, Teresia's mother, standing there. She said, "I have made a personal decision but I need to talk first." Our conversation was long and covered several subjects but it was plain that her intentions were to give up her men friends and whatever was necessary to be a Christian. Lucy had the heart of a child which allowed her to change her life.
I baptized Lucy that day and a few days later I also baptized Teresia and her two older cousins. Lucy cried that day when she came up out of the water and asked, "Is it true? All of my sins are gone?" I responded, "Yes."
As we walked Lucy home, I thought, "How complicated our sins have made God's simple love and forgiveness." We often forget that no matter how bad our sins have been we can come to our Father as a child. When we say, "Father, I'm sorry," He will reply, "I don't condemn you. Go and sin no more."
What a burden it is to live each day under the guilt of sin.
What a relief it is when we humbly seek God's forgiveness as a child. Go to your Father right now. He's waiting to forgive you.
---Riley Walker