Mark 10:16

Mark 10:16

The Child-like Mind.

I. The childlike temper is nowise inconsistent with true manliness manliness both of the intellect and of the will and feelings. Well-meaning persons sometimes fall into the mistake of contrasting the heroic with the Christian character, as if the highest heroism were not that which is distinctly Christian. The difference between mere heathen or worldly manliness and the manliness of the Christian is, that the first is entirely self-dependent, while the other ever numbly depends on God. The Christian martyr, as much as the hero of this world, has overcome the natural weakness which would make us always to be timidly looking out for support from our fellow-men; he has learned, in one sense, to stand alone; but then, in another sense, he knows that he is not alone. The humility of the childlike character, given by the Holy Spirit of God to Christians, makes them more, instead of less, brave in all dangers.

II. Again, the childlike temper of the Christian has nothing in it of the folly of childhood. As a general statement every one assents to this. No one maintains directly that a humble and simple mind, wrought in us by the Spirit of God, will attach us to trivial matters, or incapacitate us for feeling an interest in all events of really deep moment. Sometimes well-meaning men mistake in this teaching that a humble, simple-minded Christian takes no interest in public matters. What ought to be said is, that his interest in these will be purified, and that he will estimate them at their real value.

III. Again, it is a mistake to suppose that the childlike mind does not appreciate the great worth of human learning. Human learning, it is true, is but foolishness compared with the wisdom of the all-knowing God. But to cultivate our intellects is a duty which He has laid upon us. Indeed, there is nothing more characteristic of the simplicity of the child, than its desire to acquire knowledge; the simple child is always learning; only observe, that he learns the more because he is so fully aware of his own ignorance. And thus the Christian childlike temper in mature years will be quite opposed to that conceit of knowledge which genders pride.

IV. Our religion is not to be childish because Christians must be childlike. The true Christian is ever growing in the knowledge and love of God in Christ. The very test to which we are required to bring the reality of our Christianity is this: whether we be growing whether we be becoming more able to restrain ourselves, more devout, more able to realise the presence of Christ and hold communion with Him, as years advance.

A. C. Tait, Lessons for School Life,p. 283.

References: Mark 10:15. B. Jowett, Church Sermons,vol. ii., p. 193; Homilist,vol. v., p. 198.