Become As Little Children 
Joe Slater
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17)
	Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, being “greatly displeased” with them because they rebuked people who were bringing little children to Him (Mark 10:13, 14). Luke specifies that these were infants (18:15). Far from avoiding them, Jesus upheld children as models for those who would please God. Even more information appears in Matthew 18:3 where, on a different occasion, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Yes, one must convert (turn around, change course) in order to become as a little child.
	While Jesus taught us to be child-like, too often we act child-ish. Babies can be fussy, self-centered, and demanding. Have you ever known any church members like that? Certainly Jesus was not advocating such!
	What qualities do little children have that Jesus wants us to incorporate into our own lives? First, consider how trusting they are. Under ordinary circum-stances, children lose no sleep worrying about whether Mom and Dad will provide for the next day’s needs. They are totally dependent on their parents, and they trust them without reservation. Likewise, we are totally dependent on God; every good thing comes from Him (James 1:17). Trusting Him as a loving Father is a key element of Biblical faith. Not only must we believe God exists, but we must trust Him to reward “those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
	Second, think about how teachable little children are. They are eager to learn, and their minds are like sponges, soaking up everything taught to them. Jesus invites everyone to “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29). He also said that “everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45). How teachable are you? Do you think of Bible study as a dry, dull, boring waste of time, or are you child-like in your eagerness to learn all you can about Jesus?
What other child-like traits help us come to the Lord and serve Him? Let each of us change wherever needed to become more like little children, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
I’m Adopted (Ephesians 1:5)
God chose me and accepted me (Ephesians 1:4-6).
God loved me (1:4)
God gave me a name (Acts 11:26).
God placed me in His family.
God provides for my needs (Ephesians 1:3).
God disciplines me (Hebrews 5:10-12).
God sends me to school (Ephesians 1:8-9).
God paid for me (1:7)
God gives me an inheritance (1:11)
	--Allen Webster (Jacksonville, AL)

God’s Pattern
	Military historians indicate Benedict Arnold may have been a better trained officer and tactician than George Washington. Certainly he was more engaging to the public and politically interesting. So, what was the major difference between the two Revolutionary War leaders that made one "the father of his country" and the other a despised traitor?

	Washington was commended for reacting to a set of standards. That is, he responded to God's will, while Arnold generally took advantage of whatever situation he was in for personal gain. Personal accomplishments were not the basis of Washington's recognition, for he attributed his country's freedom to God. He said to the Continental Congress, "The event is in the hands of God."  By contrast, when Arnold did not receive the recognition he desired, he walked in gloom and was open to bribery.

	Arnold gave up on his friends and his county and sold secrets to the enemy. He did not action the kind of principles that set heroes and Christians apart from the world. For personal and financial gratification, a worldly person reacts to spur of the moment events. A man of God, however, turns to a righteous pattern, which Paul pointed out in the Scripture, exhorting, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Jesus" (1 Corinthians 11:1).
	--Gordon V. Herrmann (Santa Maria, CA)