In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them, and said, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:1–4 WEB.

When children are born, they depend on their parents for everything. They don't have the strength, resources, or knowledge to make it on their own. They couldn't live without the help of their parents. They are tenderhearted and hurt easily, for they don't have the cynical shell we grow to protect us as we get older, much like a hard-shell crab. Children, at least at first, don't respect one person above another one.

As adults, we grow to be much different. We love to be independent and the greatest. We respect one person above another for so many reasons. Our lives get busy, complicated, and filled with selfish ambition. Our trinity often becomes me, myself, and I. We build up walls to keep out the pain. Yet, when we block the pain, we also block good things like love and trust. No one can really get close to us anymore, and we don't have time for them anyway. Welcome to the world we live in.

Jesus called for a return to the simple, humble life of a childlike demeanor. To remain teachable, loving, humble, and innocent. To forget about who is the greatest among us. To lay aside our selfish pride. To look to our Father for our needs and obey His voice. The greatest in the kingdom of God will be the simple man or woman who manages to shake off the worldly standard we have grown accustomed to and to become something better.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You today for helping me to remove my shell. Please help me get back to the simple childlike faith of trusting You day by day. Help me find balance in the way that I look at others. Let me see them through Your eyes. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.