From the Mouths of Babes

A few weeks ago I witnessed a conversation between my two daughters—Madeline (9) and Isabelle (7). It went something like this:

Isabelle: (sigh) “I just want to go to heaven right now and see Jesus.”

Madeline: (with a scolding tone) “Izzy, it’s too soon. There is so much work left on earth before we can go to heaven.”

Isabelle: (puzzled) “Huh? What? No one ever told me anything about work.”

Isabelle: (heavy sigh, frown on face, and arms folded) “Whatever Maddie, I still want to see Jesus now.”

Okay, I will admit it’s a little funny. I was trying to hold in my giggles as I broke up this argument. But it got me thinking about my children’s faith. Isabelle showed no fear as she declared her desire to go to heaven. I don’t think I could utter such words in fear that it might come true. I’m not ready quite yet. Of course in a moment of sickness, pain or weakness, I might wish the end was near, but on a daily basis, when all is well, I’m not thinking so much about seeing Jesus.

I became more convicted as I thought about Madeline’s comment. Though she didn’t agree with her sister, she realized that there are many who still need to come into a relationship with our Savior. Do I feel that kind of urgency when it comes to sharing my faith? Do I feel the magnitude of the work like Madeline?

It reminds me of the disciples in Luke 18, when they critically question Jesus about the children coming to Him. I wonder if the disciples had young children? Did their children ask tough spiritual questions? Did their children make bold spiritual statements causing their parents to fluster?

I don’t know for sure, but one thing I do know is the importance Jesus places on this particular lesson.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘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 18:16-17

Could it be that it’s easier for children to receive the blessings of Jesus because they’re not trying to be worthy? Or pretending they don’t need it? Or are they just humble beings freely accepting God’s grace?

These are tough questions for me to ponder as an adult. But what’s amazing to me is that I might never have thought about these questions had it not been for the words that came out of the mouths of my babes.