Before & Behind

Good Day To You,

In 1988 a fun and creative movie called, “’Big,” was released starring a young Tom Hanks as the boy character, Jos Baskin. Jos wants to be a grownup, so he makes a wish and becomes a young kid stuck in an adult body. Hanks was perfectly cast in this clever comedy with his fresh innocent expression of a child. He then finds himself in a Madison Avenue Toy company. The New York Toy business atmosphere is cutthroat with an eye for an eye environment. Tom’s character is childlike with an attitude of innocence, purity, honesty, and he is excited with the new toys and products he encounters. The owner of the company is attracted to his exuberance and authenticity, and others find this young man’s perspective and passion endearing. The movie captures in an entertaining way the very essence of a child’s heart.

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Mark 10:15

Jesus tells those who are listening that those who don’t have a childlike heart and attitude can’t enter the Kingdom of God. So the humility, honesty and authenticity of a child is the heart condition to receive the gift of God‘s Kingdom. This challenges you and me, for it is too easy for us to become jaded and critical, or suspect in our heart and attitudes from living in our world. If it takes a child’s heart to enter into the Kingdom of God, the same attitude and posture is necessary to continue on in our journey with him. Would it not be beneficial for us to take a moment and ask Holy Spirit that if there be any cynicism or resistance, skepticism, or just malaise, lodged inside us to please come breathe on us. Come renewed childlike faith and freshness in us today. Let’s pray…

Q: What was a favorite childhood activity or game you enjoyed?

Q: We are to receive the Kingdom of God like a child. How do children normally act when they receive gifts?