I have pondered this VERSE all of my life. Matthew 18:3, KJV: 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.
When I was a kid, I went to a Catholic grade school. We went to mass often and most of the time, as a kid I didn't understand much of what was going on. But the repeated, "thou shalt not steal," caused me to pause. I needed my candy and I stole money from my brother and my mother to get it. It was a quarter or sometimes a dollar. When I was a kid that bought a lot of candy.
So, on the playground at lunch during school I asked, "God, I need my candy so maybe hell isn't so bad." I walked a little more and stopped. "Let me feel what hell is like so I can decide." I closed my eyes and instantly felt something I did not like and opened them quickly. "I don't want to go to hell!" I walked some more and talked to God and in all the serious kid talk I could summon, knowing it would be difficult to give up my candy. I asked God another question. "God? I am going to need a ticket to heaven, I do not think I can not be without my candy!" I walked around begging for a ticket to heaven and hoped He gave me one.
A little after that moment with God, I saved up some money. Probably not enough to replace what candy I had stolen. I ran into the store put the money on the counter and said "I owe you this!" And ran home. Not sure why this story came to mind while trying to explain what I feel being, childlike then you will enter the kingdom of heaven.
I heard his word, don't steal, I asked him for help, he answered with a scary feeling. I asked him to help me get to heaven with giving me a ticket. Then I walked the path He wanted and gave back the money. I never stole candy again. Did I get a ticket to heaven? Waiting to see. : )
A child has no worries and if does start to worry talks to parents for help. Then goes through a day with imagination and laughter and talks to God. At least I did and my children did.
I feel faith, is what is being talked about in this verse. When we have faith or 'rely' on God for all in our life we become like children. For that is all children are, one big bubble of faith.
As soon as worry hits, pray and ask for help. As soon as fear finds, pray ask for help as soon as anything that this life can cause a negative with. Pray ask for help and walk the best you can through your day Loving God and loving people. Have complete faith in our Father. Rely on Him and His love, He is with us always. Drop the worries stop the sinning, walk with love and run in the sun of His love and forgiveness.
Matthew 7:7-8
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
God bless you with that wonderful peace from the Holy Spirit
Mitch