Last night I read that a new virus is attacking computers through the internet. When I turned on my laptop, a message popped up that said, “A critical update is available for your operating system that can affect your computer’s security.” Then there were two boxes I could check: 1) Make change now. 2) Continue what I am doing.
I don’t know about you, but more often than not, I continue what I’m doing, figuring I can change my operating system at another time when more pressing matters are not staring me in the face.
But suppose the warning stated that unless you make the critical update, you would not be able to access the internet, not be able to google, not be able to access Facebook or e-mail. I bet most of us would make the change immediately, and we’d tell anyone we cared about to do the same before it was too late.
Any time Jesus said, “I tell you the truth,” He meant, “Listen up! This is really important!” And His message makes clear that unless we make a critical change in our lives, access to His kingdom will never be granted.
Such access cannot be earned; God gives it to us freely. He already paid an incredible price to do it. He leaves the choice to us, and He clearly tells us what has to be done: “Become like little children.”
Children are innocent. They help one another and find joy in life even if there are no material possessions. They’re playful. They trust unconditionally. They love with abandon.
Tragically, the world draws us away and shrouds us from these child-like qualities. To really follow Jesus means we must remove that veil.
A critical decision awaits. Will you change now, or will you continue what you are doing?
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3, NIV
Prayer: Father, our souls are like corrupted hard disks that you wiped clean at great expense, and you allow us to update freely on a daily basis. Help us become like little children, gathered in your loving arms. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ron Mathieu is a Compassion International Board Member.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.