Childlike is Pure-Hearted, Be Pure-Hearted

Matthew 18:1-5
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Verse 11. "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (KJV). 1 Corinthians 13.

What are Childish things?

Consider the differences between the total needs of an infant verses the commitment, dedication and action that adults are able to perform. It is not the desire to play, enjoy a toy from any age, that are childish things. Staying dedicated to a cause, doing what you are able to do, and keeping your faith as strong as you can is what is expected as an adult. No one is expected to hold all the answers, or be able to perform every task alone. We are often too harsh with ourselves, and that can injure the inner child. Still, making demands without attempting to perform what you are able is a very childish thing. No one should feel lesser for their limitations though, no matter how we may experience those limitations.

The passage from 1 Corinthians seems to be an order of abandonment in the very thing that grows faith, our inner child. The meaning has been lost to us, but seemingly suggesting it is in how we perceive or think. A new follower of faith has little faith, but then faith grows and new perceptions and understanding are discovered. It is not a command to toss aside imagination, the magic of faith or wonder, or even childhood, but to be willing to grow in faith and understand in taking on what responsibility you can and trusting in faith that the rest will work out. Just as a child grows to become more enabled, but needs to know when to ask for help. It is about growing your faith as you grow in life. A danger in this passage is in actually shrinking your faith thinking the magic of the Divine does not really exist as if there is nothing to believe in. The Divine existed before the creation of the universe, and exists throughout. Divine spirit is within you, all things, all living things, and also without, outside of the entire universe. Take comfort in faith and know that through the whole of it you can be seen through. Know the difference between man and Divine, and know you to are empowered. Believe!

Value of the Inner Child

Nurturing the inner child, can empower, inspire, and strengthen faith and the human-spirit. It is the pure innocent child heart that enables us to believe, hope, dream, and nurture our faith. When we nurture our joy, playfulness, creativity, and fun in life, we strengthen our faith and rapport with the Divine, promoting magic to enter our lives without resistance. The complete trust that enables you to dream, is also what enables faith to see you through.

Praying with Pure Faith

Prayer should always be through complete trust with an open, vulnerable, honest heart. The trust you harbor should not question, but hold resolute. This may at times be difficult, and is a learning and growing experience. The Divine is known for great patience, which we all should hold gratitude for.

Child-like Trust/Faith

Believing in full trust of the Divine and the guidance from within and through prayer and heart is a huge demand on the inner child. It takes pure, honest faith to uphold such a grand demand. When you feel unsafe, lack creative play, and inspiration, the inner child grows weary and despondent. These are the times when favorite music, a favorite toy, a day spent doing fun, frivolous things is a good healthy thing to do. It is not healthy to be serious all the time.

Go play and grow your faith! Learn to be pure of heart. ♥️ Brightest Blessings!

When we open our hearts to excitement and joy, through child-like play and a pure heart filled with faith, the Divine is able to surprise and amaze us. Get excited about your visions, dreams, goals, and hopes; and watch in amazement as they unfold for you.