Belonging not a Bother

S - "Some people brought their little children for Jesus to bless. But when his followers saw them doing this, they told the people to stop bothering him. So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom. You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child!” Luke 18 TS

O - The method of entry into God’s kingdom is also the only way to belong. Childlike living is the only way in and the only way to remain in the kingdom. Children live lives of reliance. They rely on others (primarily parents) for protection, provision and direction day by day. Not only does this kind of life NOT bother the Lord, it is how he lived on earth. The most capable human being to ever live chose to live in intentional (not unavoidable) reliance. It is precisely how Jesus lived each day; he intentionally relied on his Father for everything.

A - What am I like? If I’m childlike I can belong. If I’m not I won’t even “get into God’s kingdom.” The world (secular and religious) wants me to self-rely on my talents, skill sets, history, resources and the like. It’s exactly how Jesus never lived and exactly how I can exclude myself from God’s kingdom. Jesus is the most childlike person to live on earth; a choice he made each day and each circumstance of his brilliant, powerful and amazing life. I admit he’s asking me to make the same decision and so will join him in the intentional reliance on another which keeps me in and near. "Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. Only people who don’t know God are always clamoring about such things. Your Father knows what you need.  But put God’s reign first, and these things will be yours as well. My little group of followers, don’t be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom." Luke 12 TS

P - Dear Father,

Thank you for sending and giving Jesus to us so we can know, with crystal clarity, your person, purposes and will. With him I choose to rely on you and your presence not myself. Am so glad to be loved and wanted by you and not a bother in this day by day living.

I love you back,

Steve