The Bible says that children are a reward. God cares about how children are raised, nurtured, and cared for. Children are a gift from God. The Bible is clear that children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience. In Matthew 18:1-5 he calls the children to His side, saying, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Each child is a one-of-a-kind creation, unique and very precious to all concerned, especially God. Remember that God loves us so much that He gave His only Son and allowed Him to die on the cross for our sins.
It is reported that children are mentioned over 1700 times in the Bible. Matthew 18:3 states when we welcome children, we are welcoming God. Mark 10 reminds us that all children belong in God’s kingdom. Matthew 18:10 tells us that all children matter. Psalm 139 states that every child is made in God’s image. First Peter 2:2 explains that our spiritual growth is shown in our children. Matthew 11 describes how Jesus shares his treasure through the children. Psalm 127 reinforces the fact that children are a gift from heaven. Psalm 91:10-11, For those abiding in Him, God promises, no evil or plague shall come near our household, and His angels will give divine protection. Matthew 18:10 explains that our children have guardian angels. Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be peace of your children.”
Being childlike means having a certain innocence, purity, trust, ingenuity, and unspoiled love for life. Describing someone as being childlike is a compliment, meaning they have qualities of goodness and gullibility. A childlike person has retained good qualities and has not been spoiled by the negative qualities of being an adult. Childlike faith is required and appreciated by God. To exhibit childlike faith, a person should keep their spiritual life simple and pure. We should pray, obey, and trust most simply. Childlike faith does not allow what others think of us to enter our lives. Luke 18:17 states simply, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
It is essential to know that we can be “childlike” and not be “childish.” We should encourage each other to be childlike and enjoy the gifts that come with a childlike attitude. But unfortunately, many of us will falter and become childish in our actions.
“Whereas ‘Childish’ has the negative connotations of being immature, erratic, capricious, irresponsible, foolish, unpredictable, and impetuous behaviors that a child tends to manifest when they want to impose their own will on others without consideration of others feelings or opinions. Childlike refers to the positive qualities related to children. Such as innocence, being trusting, unguarded, or credulous. It also means being vulnerable and unconditionally without malice, like a child. When I use the word, I also usually mean the ability to take off the many masks of propriety imposed within our society that limit our creativity and sense of exploration. To allow oneself to play, to be silly, to be naughty, to be totally free of pretense is not only true maturity but a wonderful acceptance of the many things that we are. Instead of restricting ourselves to roles to which we are assigned either by profession or by passive acceptance.” (Uranga, n.d.)
The Topical Bible site has 82 verses cited that refer to being “Childish.” First Corinthians 13 tells us to give up our childish ways when we become men. First Corinthians 14 instructs us not to be children in our thinking and to think maturely. Why the Bible would not approve of childish behavior is easy to understand. Ephesians 4 states, “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.”
Childish behavior is a sign of emotional immaturity and is a learned behavior. “Emotional immaturity can be the result of insecure attachments during early life experiences, trauma, untreated addiction or mental health problems, and/or lack of deeper introspection or work on oneself. It can manifest as self-centeredness, narcissism, and poor management of conflict.” (Marter, 2021) This emotional immaturity or childish behavior involves how a person views themselves, their self-esteem, and their station in life. Childishness affects their ability to solve problems, communicate, and resolve conflict. Childish behavior is a severe problem if not addressed properly. The Bible instructs us to handle our emotions in ways that are pleasing to God.
“Basically, it is conveyed that emotions and feelings can sometimes warp our senses of right and wrong or completely change them to where innocent people get hurt and/or we are pushed further away from the loving hand of God. God and Jesus also have the same emotions that we have. Still, the difference in how we handle our emotions compared to the Father and the Son is that neither of them acted out of selfish needs or desires. The Bible states that any emotion (happiness, sorrow, worry) should be brought in prayer to God, as stated in Philippians 4:6-7, for bringing our concerns to God allows His peace and guidance to come to us. 2 Corinthians 10:5 also comes into agreement with Philippians 4, encouraging believers to cast down anything against God’s knowledge (emotions used negatively) in favor of following Jesus’s leadership and judgment (using emotions positively).” (Parke, 2019)
We should be able to remain childlike in our faith and attitude and not fall into childish behavior. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Marter, J. (2021, 11 18). Psychology Today. Retrieved from 4 Signs That a Parent Is Emotionally Immature: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-wealth/202111/4-signs-parent-is-emotionally-immature#:~:text=cultivating%20healthy%20relationships.-,Emotional%20immaturity%20can%20be%20the%20result%20of%20insecure%20attachments%20during,and%20poor%20manage
Parke, B. (2019, 10 17). What Does the Bible Say about Emotions? Retrieved from Bible Study Tools: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-the-bible-say-about-emotions.html#:~:text=First%2C%20the%20Bible%20states%20that,guidance%20to%20come%20to%20us.
Uranga, R. (n.d.). Quora. Retrieved from Is it possible to be mature and childlike (as opposed to childish) 7at the same time?: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-be-mature-and-childlike-as-opposed-to-childish-at-the-same-time#:~:text=Of%20course%20you%20can%20be,two%20for%20some%20odd%20reason.