By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction: Children are indeed a blessing from God. They are innocent, untouched by wickedness, trusting to a fault. Despite discipline, children cling to the parents, recognizing the parent’s unwavering love for them. The Lord tells us we must be like children if we are going to enter heaven, Mark 10:13-16. Children will forsake all for their parents. They love their parents for no apparent reason than pure love. They cling to parents, willing to give up the affections of other family members and others in this world just for a hug from Mom or Dad. They are willing to do anything they can for their parents. Even give up of themselves to give their parents a bite of their cookie or a drink from their cup. And when they do wrong, they are quick to cry in their sorrow at the disapproval from their parents. If you are a parent, you know what I’m saying. Christ says "such is the kingdom of God" (vs. 14). If you are not willing to be like a child in order to be a Christian, you won’t enter heaven (Mark 10:15). How do I become "as a little child?"

I. Like a child, there must be someone greater than self that we want to serve. That someone is our Father and Lord in heaven.

    A. Matt. 18:1-5.

        1. We must humble ourselves as a little child in order to please Him.

        2. We can’t please Him unless we are converted and become as a little child.

        3. Unless we become as a little child, we can not enter heaven.

    B. Humbling ourselves and becoming as a child conveys the idea of denying self for our Lord.

        1. Matt. 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

II. Christ doesn’t want just anyone to be his children. He only wants those who are willing to be his children.

    A. Luke 14:25-33.

        1. You can’t be Christ’s disciple (His child) if you put family before Him (vs. 26).

        2. You can’t be Christ’s disciple (His child) if you won’t bear your cross and follow Him (vs. 27).

        3. You can’t be Christ’s disciple (His child) if you don’t forsake all for Him (vs. 33).

    Just as children would do for their parents. The only difference is you have a choice to accept Christ as your parent. Did you consider the cost of becoming Christ’s disciple (His child, vs. 28-32)? If you didn’t, you should have because you stand to be criticized or judged for not finishing the course.

    B. Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-26; Matt. 16:24-26.

        1. We must be willing to follow Christ to the point of death (vs. 35).

        2. We must be willing to give up anything this world has (vs. 36-37) in order to follow him.

        3. We can’t be ashamed of Christ (vs. 38).

    C. Matt. 10:34-39

        1. We aren’t worthy of Christ if our family comes first (vs. 35-37).

        2. We aren’t worthy of Christ if we won’t suffer as a Christian (vs. 38).

        3. We will lose our life if we live it for yourself (vs. 39).

III. Even in persecution, the Lord expects our love. Just as children do for their parents (I Pet. 4:12-16). Christians are blessed in the sufferings and trials in life for Christ’s sake. What child would be ashamed to suffer while defending his parents?

IV. Example of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22).

    A. The rich young ruler said he gave up all these things for heaven but one thing he lacked. He wasn’t willing to forsake all. In this case, his riches.

    B. Would you be willing to give up your riches? Your family members? Your own life for Christ? If your answer is no, you won’t be going to heaven.

    C. My wife was threatened to be disowned if she became a Christian. She was willing to give her family up to follow Christ.

    D. A Christian, Chuck Blair, withdrew himself from his own brother who turned his back on God.

V. As Christians, we are not our own (I Cor. 6:19-20). Christ paid the price for us. We excepted that price when we became Christians. We became Christ’s children.

Conclusion: Christ wants our commitment to him, our unconditional love and loyalty. Just as children give their parents. Not that he wants to discourage anyone. Yet, he wants everyone to come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9).

Are you a child of God? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? Are you ready to die? (II Pet. 3:10-14)