Christian love, in its purest form, is a transformative force that shapes our understanding of God and our relationships with others. It’s a journey, not a destination, and like any journey, it has its twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. This message explores the importance of maintaining a childlike heart amidst life’s trials, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of His disciples.
In Matthew 18, Jesus instructs his disciples that to enter the kingdom of heaven, they must become like little children. This profound teaching emphasizes the importance of humility, innocence, and unwavering faith. Children, unburdened by the complexities of the world, possess a natural joy and trust that adults often lose sight of. Jesus calls us to recapture this childlike spirit, allowing it to guide us through life’s challenges.
The Trained Eye vs. The Passenger
Mark Twain, in his writings about life on the Mississippi River, illustrates the difference between seeing with a trained eye and seeing with the wonder of a first-time passenger. The trained steamboat pilot, while skilled in navigating the river’s dangers, often loses the ability to appreciate its inherent beauty. He becomes focused on the technicalities, the potential hazards, and the responsibility of safe passage.
The passenger, however, is captivated by the river’s grandeur, the stunning sunsets, and the ever-changing scenery. This analogy applies beautifully to our spiritual journey. We can become so preoccupied with life’s difficulties, our past mistakes, and the uncertainties of the future that we forget to appreciate the beauty of God’s love and the present moment.
Balancing Wisdom and Innocence
The apostles, entrusted with spreading the Gospel, faced immense persecution. Yet, Jesus’ message to them remained: retain the heart of a child. This doesn’t imply childishness or naivety, but rather a spirit of resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering faith. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:20, we should be mature in understanding but childlike in our ability to forgive and let go of anger. This balance between wisdom and innocence is crucial for navigating the river of life.
The Call to Enjoy the Journey
God desires for us to not only navigate the river of life but to also enjoy the journey. He wants us to embrace the beauty of His creation, the power of His grace, and the joy of His presence. Like David, who faced unimaginable trials yet continued to praise God with unwavering devotion, we can choose to focus on the good, even amidst difficulty.
Maintaining a Childlike Heart
King Saul, consumed by jealousy and fear, lost sight of the blessings God had bestowed upon him. His focus shifted from the beauty of the river to the perceived threats along the shoreline. This contrast with David’s persistent faith highlights the importance of maintaining a childlike heart, full of optimism, joy, and trust in God’s plan.
Christian love, agape love, is not just a concept to be studied; it’s a journey to be lived. It’s about embracing the river of life, with all its challenges and triumphs, and remembering to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It’s about cultivating a childlike heart that finds joy in the journey, even when the waters get rough.
Conclusion: Embracing God’s Unconditional Love
The journey of Christian love is not always easy. We will face trials and tribulations, but through it all, we must remember to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source of our strength and hope. By embracing His unconditional love and cultivating a childlike heart, we can navigate the river of life with joy, resilience, and unwavering faith. Let us strive to not only know the path but to savor the journey itself, finding beauty in every bend and ripple of God’s grace.
