Become Like Little Children

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-4 NIV

In a story published last week by Centre Daily Times, it was reported that “Local running legend George Etzweiler died earlier this week at 105 years old. Etzweiler, who was known for his “age-deyfing” endurance, died on March 16, just two days after his birthday. A retired Penn State electrical engineering professor and Navy veteran, Etzweiler didn’t find his love for running until he was 49. But once he did, he never stopped. He ran the Mount Washington Road Race, an all-uphill 7.6 mile run to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, more than a dozen times. Many of those times were in his 90s, Runner’s World reported. The last time he completed the 7.6-mile race was at 98 years old in 2018, in a time of 4 hours, 4 minutes and 44 seconds, according to Runner’s World.” There were many other amazing things George accomplished, as the story relayed, which led Mike Casper, race director for the Tussey Mountainback, to say “I think it’s the youth that he had in his heart that kept him going so many years….”

And, you know, when it comes to the advantages of being youthful in heart, Jesus, upon being asked by the disciples who the greatest in the kingdom of heaven was, called a little child to him and said “ Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus wasn’t saying that they were supposed to be childish, but was providing a new perspective: the way “up” is “down.”  Jesus was exhorting the disciples (and us) to seek to possess a childlike modesty in addition to their faith. You see, those who willingly take the lowest position are the greatest in heaven’s eyes. And who better than a child to teach us by example? A young child is destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness and is characteristically humble and teachable, and not prone to pride or hypocrisy. Hence the reason believers are to be child-like and not child-ish.

So, following the example of little children, let us seek to have age-defying faith my friend; in that we remain humble and teachable throughout our lifetime. Even if we live to be 105, may we aspire for greatness each and every day by grabbing hold of lowliness. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that only the meek will inherit the kingdom and that for us to be great in heaven we must be humble here on earth. Knowing that this goes counter to the world, give us the strength of mind, heart, and spirit to live by Your standards rather than the worlds. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!