At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “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. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Matthew 18:1-5

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The rumors are true. I finally learned to backflip into the river from the high rope swing at Willow Creek’s Camp Paradise (we’ve got proof—watch this!). I am not as young as I was when I attended Dads Camp with my sons. But that didn’t stop me from learning to let go last summer—literally and figuratively. I was humbled each time I climbed the ladder and leaped out from the platform, only to fall face-first, side-first, or back-first again and again. Still, I needed to do it. Why, you ask? Because I’m still exploring what Jesus taught about being mature and childlike at the same time. Learning to backflip was a big step for me—in overcoming my ego, choosing to try and fail, and rediscovering the joy of play as a child of God.

Matthew 18:1-5 reveals Christ’s response to His closest followers’ petty bickering. They urged their leader to clarify the pecking order once and for all. So He did, just not like they expected. Jesus brought a nearby child into the circle and explained the spiritual secret of humility over prominence. You see, in God’s eyes, true maturity can be exhibited at any age. Following Jesus is all about learning to let go and trust. He taught that being a child is not the same as being childish. Being an adult does not mean you’re past being childlike. We’re invited to recognize the awe and wonder of being made by God and part of His family, regardless of how young or old we are. We are also called to welcome the young of age and the young at heart just like Jesus did..

Back when I was a camper at Dads Camp, I got a little better at letting go with each passing year. Growing in maturity and humility took effort, time, and patience. The same is true as I follow Jesus on this side of the river. I bet the same is true for you. Maybe it’s time for you to get away and practice becoming humble and childlike as a camper at Camp Paradise (check out Dads Camp or Women’s Retreat here). Or if camp isn’t your jam, I bet there’s another way you can learn to rediscover joy, awe, and wonder as a child of God. After all, according to Jesus, you’re never too old to let go.

Next Steps

What holds you back from letting go and being humble like a child before God? How can you reconnect with childlike joy today as you follow Jesus? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.

Registration for Camp Paradise is open. Find out more and sign up today!