Childlikeness

An attitude of simple trust and faith, to be distinguished from childishness. It is commended by Scripture as an appropriate attitude for the believer to take towards God.

God treats his people like children

Psalm 103:13 See also Numbers 11:12; Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah 66:13; Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 11:1–4; Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:1–7

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

God's people should respond to God as children to a parent

In trust

Psalm 131:2

Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

In obedience

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.

In humility

Luke 9:46–48 parallels Matthew 18:2–5, Mark 9:33–37 See also 1 Kings 3:7 Solomon

Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”

In innocence

Mark 10:13–15 parallels Matthew 19:13–14, Luke 18:15–17 See also Luke 10:21

Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

In imitating a model

Ephesians 5:1–2 See also 1 John 3:10

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

Childlikeness is reflected in pastoral care

1 Thessalonians 2:7 See also 1 John 2:28

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

Childlikeness is to be distinguished from immature childishness

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 See also Hebrews 5:12–6:1

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly — as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?