Jesus, in answer to the question, of who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, points to a child. As we know, the size of a person is established, usually when he reaches the age of a youth. That means Christ has been changing the yardstick for measuring persons.
To be small means to become like a child. There are two words in the English language, ‘Childish’ and ‘Childlike’. The meanings of these words are different. Behaving like a child can be termed as Childish; being good as a child can be termed as Childlike.
When we use the word Childlike, we mean all the impressive and attractive manners and qualities of an infant. That’s what we have to develop in us. We have to develop in us the innate goodness and virtues of a child.
Everyone loves babies. We all love their innocent face, captivating smiles and poignant mannerisms. Everyone will love those who behave like children. We are attracted not by their haughty words or deeds but by their humble and simple behaviour and humble deeds; these make them endearing to everyone.
Children wonder at everything around them. They turn curious about whatever they see inside and outside the house. A blossoming flower, a butterfly, a chirping bird, the rain and the flowing river are all objects of wonder for them. The sun during the day, the moon at night, the stars, the dawn and the dusk are all amazing for them. To be like a child also includes the ability to see miracles like these. We must realize that everyone who lives with us is a living miracle.
Dependence is another characteristic that we notice in infants. Babies are very dependent on their parents. They lean on their mother for everything. They need a mother for everything. Even if his mother slaps him, he hugs his mother through crying. This attitude of dependence must also be cultivated in our relationship with God. Whatever you do, ask God for His advice, and if you fail in anything, return to God and pray. Carry on praying even when it seems ineffective – This is what happens when we grow in our dependence on God.
The ability of the babies to forgive is also remarkable. If someone happens to hit, harass, or quarrel, they may immediately burst into tears. So it’s all over there. Usually, they don’t keep them in their mind and react negatively. In a baby, there isn’t much distance between crying and laughing. Sometimes crying ends with a peal of laughter. But the huge ones can’t be forgiven.
Again, babies know, they are small. They are convinced that everyone around them is big. The child knows that his place is lower than that of all the adults around him. Perhaps it is this kind of unconscious discovery of the infants that underlies their behaviour. We think that there is no one is greater than we.
Being like a baby is no longer very hard. Everyone can grow to be childlike. It is necessary too. If we can wonder at everything around us, like children, develop a sense of trust, and be able to forgive and think of ourselves as small, we too will grow up to the mark that Christ has intended. Such people inherit the kingdom of heaven.