Free to be a Kid

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:15 ESV)

Have you ever read this exchange between Jesus and his followers and thought to yourself, or have someone else tell you, that he is defining the behavior it takes to be in the kingdom of God? Maybe I am alone in that, but I know I can read this and think the burden is on me to receive appropriately or I will miss out.

But oh the freedom that is meant by receiving the kingdom of God like a child. Think of how kids receive gifts, how they approach presents on holidays. At least before they are tainted by the culture of merit and earning, they are exuberant and don’t for one second think of what they did to deserve the gift. They simply, purely rejoice in the gift. They clumsily rip open the wrapping to get to the gift… to go deeper, fully into it.

Now I don’t want to over spiritualize how children receive gifts but man, I think Jesus is actually giving us tremendous hope in these words. He lashes out at those that prefer decorum or the right behavior and he says “let them come.”

Do you hear him saying this to you today? Inviting you to come to him. Sure it might be sloppy and not what others expect but the gift is not about you, it is for you. Receive the kingdom of God, your entry into the family of God, with simplicity, joy and wonder.

Today, know that you can come to Jesus as you are. There is no checklist you have to accomplish first. You are free to be a kid and run to Jesus.