What did our Blessed Lord mean when He said "unless you become as innocent as little children;you will never enter the Kindom of Heaven?
2006-11-23 07:38:53 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We become "hard hearted" as we get older, tend to doubt more and more in the goodness of others, whereas children never hesitate to "leap" into their daddy's arms....always confident that He will catch them. THAT is what Jesus is talking about....putting cynicism aside long enough to try FAITH and allow Him to prove Himself trustworthy!
2006-11-23 07:57:34 · answer #1 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually what Jesus actually said:
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 18:3
"Innocent" is not in the text. It's a gloss on the text; a possible interpretation of the text. Becoming "like little children" could mean we should strive to be innocent. However, he could also mean there are other qualities of children we should seek to emulate.
For instance, children are always learning - and they know they don't know everything and need to learn. Adults could learn a lot from that example and not become "set in our ways". Children tend to be eager to please, they don't have as inflated a sense of self-importance as adults do, they are spontaneous. Have you seen a child worship? Truly worship? They throw themselves into it. Maybe that's what Jesus meant we should do.
2006-11-23 16:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by Elise K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You become innocent when you still your mind and free it from judgemental ideas and conditioned opinions. This is done through practice, patience and persistence. The practice is to find time alone and then sit in silent contemplation with faith in the presence of God. When troubled thoughts come, stick with your ideal. Eventually, the stillness which is the "still, small voice" will come and answer all questions. This is "The joy that surpasseth understanding." Jesus went off alone and renewed himself with definite spiritual practice, why shouldn't we take that as a teaching as well as his words? (in my opinion but every body must find their own way).
2006-11-23 15:52:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You cannot become that innocent as little children. You simply are that innocent. Its not something that you can achieve, its a given state of mind
2006-11-23 15:49:27 · answer #4 · answered by rotacka0687 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He means do the impossible.
If you're a grownup, you're not a child. You no longer have the innocence and naivéte you once had as a youngster. You now know the ways of the world and what is expected of you. In this sense, you can never be "innocent" again.
2006-11-23 15:44:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
A little child accepts and believes anything and everything that comes from the parent. He has nothing to consider. Similarly, when the Spirit leads you and you do as directed without your trying to justify anything, then you have the righteousness of GOD.
2006-11-23 15:58:09 · answer #6 · answered by Cab302 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Growing in Christ:
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
2006-11-23 15:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by Damian 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You have to have an experiance of Christ, it's not a religion, it's a relationship, then you can become part of the family of Christ and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
2006-11-23 15:43:58 · answer #8 · answered by tucksie 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Get a labotamy.
Who knows what god means when he says half the things he does, just go to your pastor and let him lead you like good sheep.
2006-11-23 15:44:21 · answer #9 · answered by Lotus Phoenix 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What that really means is that we have to come to God, without ego or pride or filled with false beliefs, And above all we have to be honest. Now for most adults that can be a very difficult thing to do.................. But for those that can they will be blessed and protected and accepted by God. And have nothing but good things to loook foward too................................................
2006-11-23 15:51:45 · answer #10 · answered by kilroymaster 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋