CHILDLIKE HUMILITY

Mark 6:56
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me.”
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She looked at me straight in the eye. This little girl of about 10 years offered me her sampaguita garland while my car is stuck in traffic. I do not normally buy garlands for the car, but that time, I felt something weird. I opened the car window and asked her how much. I did not remember anymore how much. I just gave her the money and she gave me a few garlands. I immediately saw her cross the street and gave the money to a lady, maybe her mother. Afterwhich, she went back selling garlands.

They litter the street of Metro Manila. They are called “streetchildren”. They either sell something or just beg for money or food. But what is striking to note is that their mother or father is just out there, waiting for them to give them the money. They may have a thousand reasons why they do this to their children, and we are in no way to judge them. However, seeing those children roam the street, inhaling polluted air and braving the heat of the sun would make you wonder – do they deserve such harsh punishment. They, that Jesus considers as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And that is basically the reason why they are the greatest.

Children are true picture of humility. Yes, the little child beautifully epitomized the godly quality of humility. And Jesus’ point is clear. All of us must cultivate childlike humility if we are to inherit God’s Kingdom. True Christians seek to serve, not to exercise power. No matter how unpleasant the task or how lowly the recipient, true humility moves us to minister to others. Such humble service brings rich rewards.

That little girl knows that she has to work, at that early age, so they can survive another day. She did it to serve her family, no matter how hard. As for her parents’ irresponsibility, that is another story.

Teach us, Lord Jesus, the meaning of these words in the depths of our hearts. Help us to respond to them and to be faithful men and women. Help us to strive for that greatness which will shine throughout eternity, to be great as you are great, Lord Jesus, in the same Spirit and by the same power. We pray in your name, Amen +

Commit your life to the Lord, and He will help you.