I’ve always loved the Bible passage where Jesus speaks about the need for us to become like children:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:1-3).

Problem is, too many of us confuse “childlike” with “childish” – and boy, is there a huge difference!

Remember The Toddler’s Creed by Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS International?

Toddler’s Creed

 If I want it, it’s mine.
If I give it to you and change my mind later, it’s mine.
If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it will never belong to anyone else,
no matter what.
If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.

Unfortunately, many adults have never outgrown the “terrible twos.” If this behavior is bad in children, it’s horrific in adults. Yet, even a cursory glance at the news headlines proves that in business and in politics, in international relations and in local neighborhoods, the Toddler’s Creed is alive and well…in grownups!

Our relationship with the Lord will show in a variety of behaviors, but one way in particular is when we are willing to give up our rights…even if those rights are legitimately ours. This includes the right to keep what is ours, say what we think, or put ourselves first.

Let’s outgrow the “terrible twos” and relinquish the Toddler’s Creed!

Ava Pennington