What does it mean to be like a child? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul speaks positively about putting an end to thinking and acting like a child. Children are impulsive and have little self-discipline, as their brains are still developing. Their prefrontal cortex is not in the driver's seat of their decision-making, and so they seek pleasure most of the time without regard to consequences. We become concerned when adults haven't "grown up" and learned to control their actions in response to natural impulses. And yet, Jesus says we need to become like them? What-- impulsive and thoughtless? Hardly. Jesus is referring to the innocence and trust a wide-eyed child exhibits. They have no real power to exert on their own in the world, and children still see the wonder in things as it's all still so new... do you look in awe and wonder at the things God is doing in our midst? He's here in plain view. Do you see? Open your eyes now, then you'll be like a child again.
Readings: Leviticus 24:1-25:46; Mark 10:13-31; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 10:20-21
