Mark 9:42-50

Child-like faith brought actual children to Jesus. They saw, heard, and trustingly came to Him. Child-like faith led a man to, in the Name of Jesus, believe in His power and love enough to cast out demons in His Name.

Disciples were concerned with themselves that day. The children and those with child-like faith were concerned only with (and fully dependent upon) Jesus. Only.

Getting in the way of those with child-like, simple, trusting faith spells doom for those wrapped up with themselves and their status. You can't regulate the fruit of raw faith no matter who you are. If you try, you'll be kicking against the movement and work of God Himself, a no-win scenario if there ever was one. Was it not Lucifer who was wrapped up in himself at one point? Was he not concerned with his status in heaven? Did his hands and eyes not cause him to sin? Jesus is speaking not just a truth here that applied to the immediate, but to the eternal. He had personally witnessed the results of selfish motives.

Sin is rebellion. In this case, to rebel against God is to place self over God's agenda. His agenda is inclusive of children and those with child-like faith and raw trust. To get in the way of this is to rebel, and you're better off maimed and blind than to do this.

What are my eyes on today? Are they on my agenda? My needs? The needs that I perceive in the church? In my home? Do I see simple belief and trusting faith and think, "It'll never work... no common sense... there's a process to follow here... experience to gain first... they're crazy!"? Do I get in their way? Any time I look to myself/procedures/systems/traditions/policies before looking at Jesus with raw trust, it's like my eyes or hands getting in the way of child-like faith (which could include my own). Am I suggesting throwing those things out? Not at all! Such things exist for a reason, and policies and procedures are found throughout Scripture. But the eyes and motives should begin and end with Jesus, the One. Otherwise they are false and even become idols.

Put aside status today. Seek downward mobility. Love and support the child-like (including the children themselves). And seek to become more child-like in faith and in deed.

Father, rule over me and this day You have given me. Jesus, transform me, putting the self to death to be raised to abundant life in You. Holy Spirit, put that spark of child-like, trusting, raw faith in me today that leads to loving obedience. God, fling laboring harvesters into Your fields today... begin with me!