HUMILITY

In Isaiah 11:6 the prophet declared, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Here the prophet emphasizes the state of security, peace, and happiness that would characterize the reign of Jesus in the kingdom of God. Truly, Christ is love, humility and kindness personified. No one can read the gospel narratives and the epistles that embrace his childlike innocence and forgiveness without being impressed by the prophetic utterance of Isaiah.

Jesus recognized the admirable traits of childhood. Remember when the question arose among the disciples concerning who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 18:2- 4,"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

We need to appreciate the teaching of Jesus on this subject. Do we realize the full import of this profound principle? N.B. Hardeman said, "There is a wonderful power in example. God knew this a long time before man did; therefore, he had the Holy Spirit to fill the book of Acts of Apostles with many examples of obedience." Let us look at some of the examples we can learn from a child.

The trusting faith they have in their parents. They never worry about anything because mommy and daddy will provide their every need. Because of this undaunted faith they sleep easy and well at night. When confronted with some problem that seems large in their little world, they do not break down their health brooding over the matter but turn to their parents and explain the whole problem, with the confidence that the solution will be elementary in their hands. No wonder we are commanded to be like little children. Surely God considers our little faith when we ignore such a plain command as, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phil 4 :6). The Father of mercy has promised that all things work together for our good if we love him. (Rom 8:28). The psalmist said, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psa. 55:22). These scriptures should comfort us as we sincerely try to shove aside the cares of the world and meditate upon our Fathers' unlimited power to help us through the revelation of his blessed word.

I have never known a child to hold a grudge against anyone long. It is true that they might have misunderstandings with their playmates. These ill-feelings never last long. Soon they are playing together and all is forgiven; all is forgotten. Can we be a Christian and not have the same attitude toward our brethren? No, Paul said in Colossians 3:12, "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye."

May we embrace this childlike innocence and forgiveness that heaven may be our home.