At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 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 whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Matthew 18:1-6

What is this passage really telling us?  Is Jesus commanding us to mimic the behavior of little children in order to enter heaven.  This is where Christianity gets interesting, for if we place our reliance upon man then some people will accept one pastor’s interpretation over another.  What then are we do when confronted with areas of the Bible that seem ambiguous, vague or indiscernible?  After asking many pastors the answer I have been given truly highlights the state of affairs.  In fact some appear caught in the quandary of second guessing/contradicting themselves as in this popular site, http://www.gotquestions.org/childlike-faith.html  Most pastors have declared themselves to be the end all and be all in interpretation, confidently directing me to accept their specific understanding.  That is not however what we are instructed to do when confronted with confusion or question when studying to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing the Word of God.

John 14:26 shows us how to deal with internal confusion or ambiguity when Jesus says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”  We are also cautioned to not depend on our own understanding.  This reluctance or collective naivety, I believe has created most of the problems within the churches, almost as much as our apparent disobedience to directions of God.  For when we have question, although we test the counsel of pastors, teachers, friends and family we are instructed to go to the Holy Spirit as the ultimate determining voice in our quest for clarity.

That being said, shall I attempt to decipher God’s meaning in the opening passage of this post, I think not?  I shall instead direct you to ask the Holy Spirit, trusting instead in God as your guide, rather then depending upon the ego and frailty of my humanity.  I do know this that I find children refreshing in their innocence and capacity to speak truth.  I long for their type of love and un-obfuscated dependence upon their parents for survival.  If only I could remember my youthful exuberance, joy, zest and relentless curiosity, I would face this world with renewed vigor and freshened perspective.  What are we to do when confronted with indecision, misunderstanding or doubt?  Don’t ask me, ask the one who will never lead you astray, the Holy Spirit of God, living within you.

For it is in His name that I pray for your clarity, energy and direction.  God help us, in the mighty name of Jesus.