The gospels tell us we must become like little children to enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15). Little children tend to be simple and unpretentious; they believe easily. They possess an insatiable curiosity about the world around them and like to try new things.
As some of us get older, though, those childlike qualities give way to wariness, doubt, fear, and insecurity. We can become more serious about life as we take on the myriad responsibilities of adulthood. We learn to practice deferred gratification to a fault. I was one of those. Over the decades I allowed myself to feel so burdened by responsibilities that I wasn’t even sure what I liked anymore. “Fun” was definitely not my middle name. It’d be more accurate to describe fun as a foreign concept.
Looking back, I don’t believe I had to be burdened. God intends that we live unburdened by casting our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled (John 14:27). The problem was I didn’t trust God to take care of me and my family. So I lived under the constant shadow of what could go wrong and the strain of trying to protect myself from whatever that might be. It was not fun. Most of the time I was not enjoying life very much, and I’m afraid it showed.
In John 10:10 AMPC Jesus says, The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
This depicts what Jesus bought for us on the cross! We can allow ourselves to be robbed of joy and peace or we can resist the thief and enjoy our lives. We enter the kingdom by becoming as little children. And Romans 14:17 describes the kingdom of God as righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. A neighbor who’d moved away told me she was going through her boxes as she unpacked, deciding to keep only those things that sparked joy in her. That was inspiring, but a little threatening to someone who’s had pack rat tendencies! On the same topic, though, I read once that we should do something every day that gives us joy. Now that would be a childlike thing to do. Little children don’t normally get up weary with worry, do they? They are rarin’ to go! Our youngest daughter (who just graduated from college) used to make her next day’s to-do list before going to bed—with pictographs—before she learned to write! Eagerness, excitement, and a carpe diem spirit characterize small children.
I now recognize activities that give me joy. Art, writing, and playing guitar figure among those. So I’ve decided to take back some of what the devil stole and make time for fun! What gives you joy? What activity brings a smile to your face? Make a little time for that every day, and enjoy your life in Christ… like a little child.
Love it, JB! Thanks. Glad you rediscovered joy before it was “too late” – I think that is one of the benefits of grandchildren – they are great teachers! 🙂