Introduction

Most of us can recall the days when the extended family would gather together for the holidays and sit down for the meal. There was just enough room for the adults and a card table was set up for the children. You felt isolated as that table was usually in an adjoining room. However, you weren’t too far away from the watchful eye of an adult.

The kiddie table acknowledged your age and that you weren’t ready to sit at the grownups table. However, there are many children who are more mature than certain adults that they should be allowed to swap places. In heaven, there are no kiddie tables as it is a place for the mature Christian.

Wait, We Should act like Children?

In the book of Matthew, it is written, At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and 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. (Matthew 18:1-3)

This is not to suggest that Jesus wants us to become childish, act out like little children (demanding attention), but to have the innocence of a small child. A child has no knowledge of arrogance, vanity, and pride; traits found in most adults. They are humble and teachable as they are willing to learn and take in the information that is shared with them.

We must do likewise! We can’t challenge every little thing because our grownup minds say so, we have to let go of our preconceived notions and embrace what is set before us in God’s word.

For example, back in the book of Judges, Gideon was to go up against the Midianites with only 300 people (Judges 7:1-7). From an adult perspective, this is absurd because an army of 300 couldn’t defeat an army of thousands. Yet, Gideon, and the people of Israel, had faith that God would deliver them into their hands.

Regardless of what the adult mind would say, they trusted The Father to help them become victorious. God said, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” (Judges 7:2) God wanted to avoid the adult arrogance of personal victory. If He allowed the full amount of soldiers be victorious, they might say, “What do we need God for if we won the battle ourselves?”

Check Out My New Toy!

When a child gets a brand-new toy, he can’t wait to show it to everyone. He then brags about how wonderful it is and that you must get one for yourself. We see the same attitude in the church today. Someone will get a new teaching tool; one that they see as superior to the others and will constantly talk about it. Whether it be a new tract, study material, or some other item, they can’t wait to talk about it and encourage others to get it.

The apostle Paul was dealing with a similar matter in the church at Corinth. When the spiritual gifts were being given out, many who spoke in tongues felt a greater sense of pride. They flaunted their gift because they were able to speak a completely different language; one that they never studied.

Paul writes, How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:26-28)

Speaking in tongues is useless if there isn’t an interpreter. It sounds like nonsensical gibberish and doesn’t edify the body at all. Prior to this statement, Paul says, Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. (1 Corinthians 14:20) What Paul is saying is that while speaking a different language is interesting, it doesn’t edify like prophecy. Again, without an interpreter, your words are meaningless.

Conclusion

As for the modern Christian, don’t try to buy every new teaching tool out there and expect everyone to follow in your steps. It might be right for you, but not necessarily right for others. You can’t force someone to teach the exact same way as you. Paul writes, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Jesus is our master teacher and we would be wise, and less childish, if we imitate Him.