A Child Again

To all who received him, who believed in his name,

he gave power to become children of God

-John 1:12 (NRSV)-

      A friend of mine recently sent me a photograph of her granddaughter. She really looks like the sweetest little girl.

The photograph shows the baby smiling a beautiful of

innocence. She looks contented, happy, and at peace.

      It made me wonder anew about the passage of scripture in which Christ says that we need to become like children.

How difficult that is for adults to grasp!

      We lose our childlike innocence quickly. The world seems to demand that in order to survive we become cynical, cold, and calculating. Love of money, willful pride, and seeking personal acclaim consume many people all over the world.

       How can we become like children again? Jesus has the answer: Entrust him with our lives. We can regain the outlook and love of a child as we place our hand in faith, a step into God's kingdom.

Roland P. Rink (Gauteng, South Arica)