Hovering over the opening verses of Matthew 18 this morning and I’m struck that while as parents (and grandparents) we’re focused on wanting our kids to grow up, the Father wants His to “grow down.” And I’m asking myself, is that a conversion thing or a sanctification thing?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to Him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

(Matthew 18:1-3 ESV)

Turn and become like children . . . That’s what I’m chewing on this morning.

At first, it sounds like a command to obey, something I must do. But with a little digging, the word “turn” is in what’s called the “Passive Voice” which “represents the subject as being the recipient of the action.” That’s why the NASB and the NKJV translate it as “unless you are converted.” While we all need to repent and “turn”, only God can change the heart.

But with a little more digging, the word “become” is, in all likelihood, in the “Active Voice” where “the subject is the doer or performer of the action.” So, if I’m picking up what Jesus is laying down, entering the kingdom of heaven is not just a matter of being turned — a “born again” once forever work of conversion, but it’s also a matter of becoming like — an on-going work of sanctification.

Becoming like children . . . an on-gong work of sanctification . . . hmm . . .

Do I see that as part of the Spirit’s lifelong work in me? Do I think of it as part of what submitting to the Spirit’s work involves? I’ve spent so much of my life trying to “grow up”, am I really ready to “grow down”? Thinkin’ I should be . . .

Sounds kind of humbling, doesn’t it? It’s meant to be . . .

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus

(Matthew 18:14 ESV)

Buckle up for growing in humility. And don’t be surprised if growing a little in humility is going to come about at the expense of going through a certain amount of humiliation. If becoming more mature in the faith doesn’t look a lot like becoming increasingly meeker in the fray. If increasing doesn’t look a lot like decreasing.

Becoming like children . . . A conversion thing or a sanctification thing?

Yes.

Only by His grace. Always for His glory.