All meaningful growth is simple, but not easy.
People grow in two ways. We grow when we…
• Choose to follow, with childlike faith, or
• Experience enough suffering to humble us into childlike surrender (faith).
I wish this wasn’t true, but I can’t ignore the evidence. It’s everywhere—all around me, and in my own story.
Think about kids. Have you noticed how they are sponges? They see everything, hear everything, and absorb and apply learnings quickly. The rate of growth—physically, mentally, emotionally—between birth and college-age is unparalleled the rest of our lives.
But growing up is a spiritual disadvantage.
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” -Jesus (Matthew 18:2-4)
Most people have to be broken before they believe, before they change. By “broken” I mean beat up, humiliated, and having their road of independence exposed as spiritual rebellion.
But, when given the choice, I hope I’ll choose the path of childlike faith and trust. It’s less painful. Maybe I should be paying more attention to the things I teach my own kids…
• If the pot’s hot, don’t touch it
• If it’s bedtime, go to sleep
• If it’s too expensive, put it back
• If it’s time for chores, get to work
• If mom made it, eat it (and be grateful)
• If it’s not yours, don’t take it
• Thank God for your toys and treats
• Be kind to everyone