In times of doubt and uncertainty, we often hear that we should hold on to a “child-like faith.” But what does that really mean?
Living daily life with an almost 3-year-old and 18-month-old, I’ve come to a greater understanding of what Jesus meant when he asked us to have faith like a child.
Some things I’ve learned:
- Children ask questions ALL THE TIME. Having a child-like faith does not require we cease questioning God and asking, “Why?”
- However, while asking those questions, children never cease believing that we have the answer. The implicit trust of a child that you know best only fades with age as we become more knowledgeable and forget we still don’t know everything.
- Children have free will. Much as we wish we could, we cannot control every decision they make. The hardest thing for a parent is watching their child make the wrong decision but being unable to stop them. Sometimes the only way for them to learn is through making their mistakes themselves.
- In the same manner, children need discipline to learn and grow. They need structure and rules. It pains parents to have to say no sometimes, but it is necessary.
- You, as their parent, KNOW how much you love them, yet we doubt the love of God?
I hope the connections above are clear. I have learned more as a parent than I ever thought I would, and I’m still only in the early stages. I can’t wait to see how God will use my children to teach me His truth in the future.
What are you learning from your kids today?