What is a child like heart? How important is it to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God? These are two tough questions to answer and I will try to do my best.
Mark 10:13-16 tells us a lot!
NWT of the JW - "13 Now people began bringing him young children for him to touch these; but the disciples reprimanded them. 14 At seeing this Jesus was indignant and said to them: “Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suchlike ones. 15 Truly I say to YOU, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a young child will by no means enter into it.” 16 And he took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them."
SearchGodsWord.org - "13 And they brought (5707) young children to him, that he should touch (5672) them: and his disciples rebuked (5707) those that brought (5723) them. 14 But when Jesus saw (5631) it, he was much displeased (5656), and said (5627) unto them, Suffer (5628) the little children to come (5738) unto me, and forbid (5720) them not: for of such is (5748) the kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say (5719) unto you, Whosoever shall not receive (5667) the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter (5632) therein *. 16 And he took them up in his arms (5666), put (5723) his hands upon them, and blessed (5707) them. "
Is Jesus telling us to be like a child? How so? First of all a child is innocent of the evil that is in the world, this act of innocent is what Jesus is talking about. Start everyone out at 100% as a person who is at face value, take that person as is until needed other wise proven by their acts and doing, and keeping on the watch! When that happens then be mature about it knowing that there is badness in this world (Ephesians 4:11-14), protect yourself as needed by there acts and doing, for this is the wisdom. We gain knowledge by life, and wisdom on what we do with that knowledge each time for each situation that we encounter.
If you think about a child who is innocent of the bad in the world, they play on the playground with great joy and fun, and perhaps loveingly! When a bully knocks down a child, that child gets backs up and continues to play, until it happens again and again, then separates from the bully. That child learned that there is a bully and changed playing with a bully by separating! But in there is a deeper learning too! As those two children played, doesn't the child forgive the bully each time he got up and continued to play with the bully? Yes. Remember that Jesus Christ ransom sacrifice is based on forgiveness and we are to forgive one another, and have brotherly love for one another.
In short if we practice a "child like heart" and have faith if Jesus Christ Ransom Sacrifice we too will enter in to the Kingdom of God!
