DEFINITION – BECOME LIKE (LITTLE) CHILDREN

Word Information

Word: Ginomai Hōs Paidion

Definition

Ginomai Hōs Paidion means “become like (little) children”. It refers to childlikeness.

And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4

To enter the Kingdom, we must become like children. However, this doesn’t mean we should be childish (immature).

Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 1 Corinthians 14:20

What Does It Mean to Be Like Children?

Children are humble.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

Children trust their parents, and they don’t worry about the future.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Children are also good at imitating. A good child behaves like his parents and elders.

Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it Is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:1-16

Becoming like a child is spiritual maturity, and it all starts with humility.

Humility is key to being great in the Kingdom of God!

Source: Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
Author: Joseph H. Thayer

Sizzling Sunday: 16th October 2022

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