Innocence: Receive the Kingdom of God

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Mark 10: 14, 15 NIV)

Years passed

I traveled back to my home town yesterday to celebrate the life of one of my earlier Sunday School teachers. Where innocence knew no harm. Years passed and I began to think, I did not have a major salvation story to tell. Honestly, never thought about it till this time. It seems with the exception of college years, I always loved to be in church. I have memory back to little-little times. I recall a real joy to be in the house of the Lord.

Sinner’s prayer

As I began to think back, Ms. Mary Lou asked if anyone had not said the sinner’s prayer. My guess, I did not know what the sinner’s prayer was at that time. However, a few others and I raised our hands. She said, “let’s bow our heads right now and pray.” I am thankful I engaged into God’s plan that day.

Innocence

God does not see immaturity in children, He sees innocence. Likely, immaturity in adults is the key reason Jesus stated one must be like a child to enter the Kingdom of God. There must be an innocence in our demeanor for sincerity to be noticed. As adults, we carry baggage. Hurts and disappointments build, so does the size of our baggage. Confusion from alternative religions and pleas to accept sin bully into our brains. Then built- in defense mechanisms mixed with confusion, hurts, and disappointments removes all innocence. This is why it is hard for Adults to surrender to Christ. We arrive at our next question. How do we regain an innocence to receive the Kingdom of God like a child?

Start today

Since we cannot physically back track to childhood, we start right where we are today. We come to a realization…we need a Savior. Sometimes this happens looking up from the bottom of a pit. Attempt to take captive every thought that is coming against you. Do not keep feeding these negative thoughts. As the baggage becomes smaller, the load becomes lighter. Our minds become free to think clearer in order to have sound judgement. For God did not give us a spirit of fear, He gave us a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. We regain our innocence with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us at our point of salvation.

All things are possible

This is Dig Deep Wednesday! With innocence from childhood or innocence regained as an adult, all things are possible through Christ to those who believe. Will you surrender confusion today? Hurt feelings? Disappointments? Trade these for a renewed sense of innocence as we seek God for our next step.

Be encouraged!