Sunday, October 2, 2011

Become as a Child

Matthew 18:2

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Matthew 19:14 18:4-5

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:

for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,

and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Become as a Little Child

JEAN A. STEVENS

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

April 2011 LDS Conference

If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth.

What is it we should learn from children? What qualities do they possess and what examples do they demonstrate that can help us in our own spiritual development?

They are often the first to love and the first to forgive.

These precious children of God come to us with believing hearts. They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit. They exemplify humility, obedience, and love.

It is here in our families, in an atmosphere of love, where we see and appreciate in a more personal way the divine attributes of His spirit children. It is here in our families where our hearts can be softened and in humility we desire to change, to become more childlike. It is a process by which we can become more Christlike.

Have some of life’s experiences taken from you the believing heart and childlike faith you once had? If so, look around at the children in your life. And then look again. They may be children in your family, across the street, or in the Primary in your ward. If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth.