Like Little Children

The disciples came to Jesus. They asked him, "Who is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus called a little child over to Him. He had the child stand among them. Jesus said, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4 (NIRV)

You can worship God with a childlike heart. Run to Him. He is the loving Father. Give God your full attention and bask in His full attention. Spending time with your Father is a joy, not a duty.

Your childlike heart knows that you need God. It's hard for 'grownup' hearts to admit they need anyone. Only your childlike heart can honestly sing, "You are my strength when I am weak, You are the shelter that I seek, You are my All in All."

Children do not value tradition above the honest response of a loving heart. Allow your childlike heart to respond openly to God. Don't think about what others are doing or saying. This is between you and God.

The childlike heart sings with joyous enthusiasm. Talent, pitch, key and time take a backseat to the pleasure of singing love to the Father.

An honest response is the natural response for a childlike heart. You must be willing to let go of pretense and deceit. That's the only way you can worship in spirit and in truth.

Children are always ready to be surprised. Your childlike heart knows there is much more to learn. Respond to God with wide-eyed wonder. Honest worship is filled with surprise.

Extravagance comes naturally from the heart of a child. When the childlike heart sees God, both hands wave and the feet jump up and down! No half hearted finger wave here! Your childlike heart shouts, "God, here I am, I'm right over here!"

Children know what to do when they need something - they find someone who can give it to them and then they ask. If you realize that your worship is not all that it should be, stop right now and ask Jesus to restore in you a childlike heart full of wonder. A heart that is ready to worship!