The Greatest in the Kingdom

"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 18:2-4 


My daughter and her husband recently got a kitten. They have three little girls, the youngest being three. Of course the kids were delighted when they saw the cat, and loved it from the first day. One day my wife was talking to my daughter and happened to ask about the cat and how the girls were doing with it. My daughter said that the older two girls loved the cat, but that the three-year-old was mean to it. Later my wife told me about er conversation and asked why I thought our little granddaughter would act that way toward the cat. I replied, "Well, it's the first time she has had any seniority!" I think this may apply when we consider the scripture above.
    My granddaughter looks up to everyone. Her parents, her grandparents, even her sisters, are all bigger, taller, and more knowledgeable. That little girl has lived her whole life humbled by those around her...until the cat showed up. The point Jesus made when he spoke these words to the disciples was exactly the same. Unless we become as little children, completely humble, we will not be great in the kingdom of heaven. It is the humble one who is the greatest. 
    Jesus said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Emphasis mine). Like my granddaughter, once we feel like we have some seniority or think of ourselves better than someone else, we have forfeited our great place in the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, we must change to become like that little child. We have to take back what we gave away. The only way to do this is through the help of the Holy Spirit. It takes a conscious effort in agreement with him in order to change and become like a humble child again. We are to be so humble that we consider everyone greater than ourselves. We all recognize and know that God is greater, but do we position ourselves as humble servants before people? Jesus did, and we are called to do the same. This is what makes us a person of standing in the kingdom of God. 
    It is easy to say these words, but much more difficult to do. We have learned to be selfish over a long period of time, getting back to the humility of a child takes time. But it is a moment by moment decision. Think about it. Consider the powerful message Jesus delivered that day. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you become like a little child, humble in all you do and say. It will take a strong resolve. Living like this runs completely opposite to what the world will tell you. Everything in God's kingdom is opposite to the ways of the world. It is not selfish to want to be the greatest in God's kingdom, because when we are, many people will join us there. And I believe that is the ultimate goal.