At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1–6 (RSV)
Our Emma is four. She is the youngest of our grandchildren. Emma loves to give hugs and will not leave until everyone has gotten a kiss and a hug. She is, without a doubt, her own person. She has such a sweet, uncomplicated faith in Jesus that it makes one envious. She is very much what Jesus was speaking of in the Scripture we have read today.
Our world is a place of intense competition. We strive to achieve as much as we can, often at the expense of those around us. It is a model of success that has done great things in which we can have genuine pride.
It becomes toxic when all we want is more success, more achievement, more personal greatness. It is a life that is contrary to the Christian faith. In Christ, our lives are not ours to do with as we please. Power and authority are not a goal to seek above all else, especially if other lives are damaged or destroyed in the process. In Christ, we are to live a much different way.
Our faith is the faith that trusts the Lord as a small child trusts. We are to humble ourselves, for Christian greatness is found in those who are humble. Humility is not a weakness. A humble person knows who they are before God. They know that all they are and have are mercies given from the Father. C.S. Lewis wrote that a humble person is not someone who thinks less of himself; instead, they are someone who thinks of himself less.
Life in Christian humility allows all to be blessed and know the mercies of the Father. It is where the weakest, most vulnerable, are treasured and protected. It is where we, like our Lord, ensure that all are among the beloved of our Father.