“And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Did you ever, as a child, jump into a lake or pool … and suddenly realize it was deeper than you expected?
Your feet, used to solid ground, felt nothing beneath. Serious alarm, even panic, set in. Could you stay afloat? Could you keep your head above water?
You might have kicked wildly. Thrashed your arms. Been ready to yell for help … when Mom’s or Dad’s comforting arms plucked you to safety.
You were never in real danger. Your parent knew this. But YOU didn’t.
All you knew was the emptiness beneath your feet … and fear.
As adults, we don’t worry about literally drowning. Most of us know how to swim, or rarely get near water.
Still, are you “drowning” in a metaphorical sense? Too many obligations overwhelming you? Financial challenges? Fractured family relationships? Wandering through life with no sense of purpose?
This “drowning” might not kill us. Yet it manifests itself in other ways: stress and anxiety. Accumulating material goods. Drinking or substance abuse. Lying awake at night.
Be strong, and ask for help
As young children, we are dependent on our parents for everything. We have no choice.
As adults, we pride ourselves on independence. But if we’re drowning, we need help. Asking for help isn’t a bad thing.
For many, though, it’s humbling – which again, isn’t a bad thing. Scripture proves the worth of humbling oneself. Consider these passages:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10
“The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” – Psalm 147:6
“Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” – Proverbs 3:34
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Finally, entrance into Heaven itself relies on humbling oneself like a child:
“… but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
Enter the Kingdom, humbly
News flash (if needed): Entering the kingdom of Heaven isn’t about accomplishments or possessions. It’s not a meritocracy. Forget your resume.
Finding favor with God is about admitting our faults, our sins, our shortcomings, and asking for help. It’s humbling yourself in the most humble way possible. Fall on your knees, bare your soul and admit you can’t do it alone.
When we allow ourselves to be wholly dependent on God, His arms lift us from the pit we were drowning in. The ground beneath our feet is solid again. His warm embrace fills us with safety and security.
It only happens, though, when we humble ourselves … totally and completely.
Are you drowning? It’s easy to quickly feel “underwater.” Don’t panic. Don’t thrash. It’s OK, though, to yell to the heavens, to tell God you’re letting go, and asking Him to take charge.
The path forward might not be clear. So, like a child trusting a parent, rely on God to lead you. Walk in faith, and you’ll never feel the emptiness beneath again.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
