“Become as Little Children” (Matthew 18:1–4)

(PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT by Greg Olsen)

In Matthew 18:1-4 the disciples has asked the Lord, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (vs. 1) to which the Lord “called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them” (vs. 2). Then the Lord says, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” I think it is interesting that the Lord doesn’t necessarily answer the disciples question but takes this opportunity to teach that we must all become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.

So how are we like little children?

In the New Testament Manual President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught: “To be like a child is not to be childish. It is to be like the Savior, who prayed to His Father for strength to be able to do His will and then did it. Our natures must be changed to become as a child” (“As a Child,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 15).

Also in Mosiah 3:19 we learn more about ways to become like little children. These are the childlike attributes this scripture lists:

1. Submissive
2. Meek
3. Humble
4. Patient
5. Full of love

 If we are supposed to develop these attributes I wanted to know more about them so here is what I found out about each attribute:

Submissive- “The submissive soul will be led aright, enduring some things well while being anxiously engaged in setting other things right—all the time discerning the difference.” (“Willing to Submit” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

Meek- “Being meek does not mean weakness, but it does mean behaving with goodness and kindness, showing strength, serenity, healthy self-worth, and self-control.” (“Be Meek and Lowly of Heart” by Elder Ulisses Soares)

Humble- “To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.” (www.lds.org/topics/humility?lang=eng)

Patient- Elder Neal A. Maxwell linked patience and faith together when he taught: “Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His” (“Patience,” Ensign,Oct. 1980, 28).

Full of Love- “Deep devotion and affection. Love for God includes devotion, adoration, reverence, tenderness, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, grace, service, gratitude, kindness. The greatest example of God’s love for his children is found in the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.” (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/love?lang=eng)

After studying about the childlike attributes that I have to develop I felt very overwhelmed and discouraged, but again my Savior offers comfort. In D&C 78:17-18 he says, “I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” I’m so grateful I have a Savior that was the perfect childlike example for me to follow and is willing to lead me along.