Table of Contents
We’re Flying
There is something precious about a young child who experiences things for the first time, which was underscored for me on a recent flight. “We are flying,” declared a very young girl, which was followed by a shh and laughter throughout the cabin. Something inside me yearned for that innocence. Life of simplicity and wonder; no pride or malice. Even the ease of belief for a child is profound. It’s not often I get anecdotal when writing, but I found the experience provided an illustrated sermon. It highlighted what Jesus said about children and being childlike.
Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.
Do you find yourself feeling downright jaded; or maybe on a lesser scale, you have moments of cynicism sprinkled into your daily life? Do you yearn to be childlike, but feel you’re too far gone to experience anything like it? But there it is: the call to receive the Kingdom as a little child.
Unfortunately, we can’t hit rewind and start over. Even if we could, how much different would things be? Let’s say we could avoid our previous mistakes; more than likely, we would make different ones, perhaps worse. Try this on for size: let’s say God allowed you to take Adam and Eve’s place in the Garden of Eden, do you think things would have been altered? Don’t bet on it!
Biblically speaking, God gave us a far better solution than a do-over. He made us altogether new in Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In spite of that, how many of us don’t exactly feel childlike?
Here’s the other hand side of things: how many felt that innocence when you were first saved? The Wonder of God and His Word filled your senses. Everything legitimately felt new and exciting. You felt clean, and yes, innocent. “We are flying!”
Redemption and innocence
One important thing to remember is God loves redemption, and our emotions are not always very truthful about His reality. Do not allow what you feel dictate your perception of authenticity. There is forgiveness for compromise, and repentance for sin and anything contrary to His nature.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (see also 1 John 2:1-3).
In The Parable of the Sower, Jesus talks about how the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things choke the Word, and the hearer becoming unfruitful (Matthew 13:22). He also stressed not looking back from where we came, which also has numerous lessons attached to it. Compromise awaits those who entangle themselves with the things of the world. An important question for all of is to consider is where are we fixing our gaze?
A point to take home is God has empowered all of us to repent, and return to innocence. Healing for your heart and soul is more than possible, so you can absolutely experience wonder, and the ease of belief, while walking in the discernment of Holy Spirit. The decision lies with you.
Simplicity and Innocence
Things get messy when you try to mix a Spirit led life with the spirit of the world. If you attempt to blend world philosophies and views with a biblical perspective, innocence will get murky. In short, you become double minded, and start talking out of both sides of your mouth. You cannot maintain grace and mercy by walking in a political or religious spirit. Placing human opinion above the Word of God is a recipe for lost purity.
In Revelation 2: 1-7, Jesus calls the Church at Ephesus to return to their First Love. To move forward, sometimes we need to take a step back, remember our beginning with Him, and call to remembrance to what He called us.
Returning to innocence is still about what Jesus did, and our position in Him. Here’s the simplicity of it all: return to your First Love. Decide to love Him and others well. When you walk in love, you walk in innocence.
