By Jesse LeMay

This week has been jam-packed with all the kids attending our VBS here at the church of Christ. It has been fun, interesting, and at times a little tiring for some. We typically think of this week as a time to teach the kids about Jesus and the Bible. While such teaching is a major part of VBS, there is another aspect that we may not think about. That has to do with the children teaching us adults. What? Certainly, that can’t be right can it? Well, according to Jesus it is!

                 Just after His disciples asked who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus called over a child and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-3). Why would Jesus say this? What is it about children that the Lord wants us to emulate? Children are pure, innocent, and sinless. Children have an absolute faith that does not need to constantly be reassured. They trust their friends, siblings, parents, and they believe in God without question. Children are loving and caring. Children see the good in others. Children love life; even the simple things. Lastly, children are humble. Christ said next that, “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (18:4).

                In order to truly become a disciple of Christ we must make a “change.” It is fascinating that the ones whom adults are constantly teaching, are really the ones that God wants us to learn from and imitate. Such a change involves humbling ourselves to accept God’s plan of salvation. As a result, after being baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of our sins, we will become pure and sinless like a child, having our sins washed away through God’s grace. That humility should continue for the rest of our days. Such a change should involve us having that absolute faith in our heavenly Father to provide. Such a change should cause us to see the good in others, always seeking their best interest. Such a change should cause us to love life, and to look forward to that day when we will step into eternal life. So, let us all recognize what the children can teach us, and let us strive to become more like them in so many ways!