At one point her Mom was telling me about a little boy who is friends with Payton's brother, Gavin. About this time, Payton pipes in, "I don't like him, Mama." Her Mom implores her to "be nice." "But he's mean to me," Payton continues. Her Mom says, "But Payton, God still wants us to be nice to him." I got in on the action at this point. "Payton, did you know God tells us to pray for those who are mean to us?" "Well, we're gonna be praying a long time," Payton responds. Out of the mouth of babes ...
I started a new study this weekend. Priscilla Shirer's He Speaks to Me. In this study, she looks at the characteristics of someone poised to hear from God. It's based around the story of Samuel. These first few chapters have centered around having a childlike relationship that doesn't have preconceived notions of who God is or how He will speak or act. Children are still open to new experiences. They are willing to ask "why" and to accept the answers they get. They are willing to paint outside the lines and in an unexpected color. They don't see in the prejudices we see. They aren't hindered by their own pride.
"Pride always produces faulty expectations." As much as the Israelites in the Old Testament didn't remember, the Jews of the New Testament just didn't "get it" .... Jesus just didn't meet their preconceived notions of who or what the Messiah would be, so they never saw Him! Even the disciples struggled to let go of their expectations and accept God's plan. And us, too ... how many times do I miss God because I am looking for an answer of my own making, an idea of my own logic, God's voice on my own terms?
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mt. 18:4
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