Adulthood does NOT equal maturity

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it (Luke 18:15-17)."

• Children do not have shame or pride in receiving gifts.
• Children do not require understanding before receiving gifts.
• Children celebrate gifts openly and with excitement.
• Children are not afraid to enjoy gifts.
• Children do not entertain the fear - "What if this breaks or runs out?" 
• Children always expect more gifts.
• Children will receive gifts from anyone bearing gifts. 
• Children prefer to receive gifts then earn possessions.

I'm sure you can add a few to this list of how children receive gifts. The kingdom of God is a gift from Father, and can only be received as such. No person ever has or ever will earn the kingdom of God. Let's contrast the childlike behavior with what we call "mature" adult behavior. The disciples rebuked those bringing children to Jesus. We don't expressly know from the text why, but any adult can give you plenty of possible reasons:

• Church stuff is serious business, not for children.
• Children should not interrupt adult services.
• Children are a distraction.
• Children can't really understand deep spiritual things anyway.
• Adults like everything to be orderly and predictable; children are rarely either.
• Adults like others to do what they are told, when they are told and how they are told; children are not always so compliant.
• Adults have learned the fine art of judging by external appearances; children rarely respect the boundaries of partiality set by adults.
• Children are apt to respond to inner urges of joyful expression, and usually at the wrong time.
• How can anything be learned when children are laughing, giggling, squirming, playing on the ground or even singing?

We tolerate children in our spiritual gatherings as long as they act like adults and scorn adults who may display childlike behavior. Hm. Jesus says there's something wrong with this picture. Somewhere along the road we decided to equate adult behavior with spiritual maturity. The irony is that we spend all our lives trying to grow up, and miss the simplicity of the kingdom that is received only by children. Take notice, in the above passage, Jesus rebukes the adult behavior and lifts up childlike behavior. 

Jesus offers himself, his life through Holy Spirit, as a gift. It's time we reevaluate our internal posture and listen to Jesus' words carefully, for they will set us free - "I tell the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God  like a little child will never enter it." YOU and I are free from needing to be in control, make good appearances, have it all together, and especially from needing to behave adult-like before the Lord! Holy Spirit wants to set YOU and ME free to receive the Father's love and every other heavenly gift. We're free to let the life and love of God rise up within us and overflow from us, however that may look! We're free to stop STRIVING and invite Holy Spirit to open your heart up to him, regardless of what behavior may rise up from within you. Stop scorning the child within you, Heavenly Father doesn't.