GENUINE
We all want the real deal, the pure gold, the honest politician, ridgy-didge and true-blue, a reliable friend. There’s a feeling of disappointment in us when we don’t get the real deal, especially in a person.
We want someone who is ‘grounded’. What does that mean? Someone who speaks the truth? Someone who is practical? Someone who is solid and has deep roots? Someone who is savvy in the ways of technology, or law? Someone who makes good decisions, who is sensible?
It all comes down to what our expectations are of people. The higher I put my expectations on you, the more likely you will disappoint me. We have protective layers from years of living with people who attack us, demean us, or reject us. So, we learn to be wary of someone else’s agendas. We do not disclose much on our first meeting with someone. We don’t take risks.
Children always delighted Jesus. Why? Because they were genuine, simple, honest, and spontaneous. Children take everything at face value and respond immediately to people or events. At best, they will hug you. At worst, they will ask you why your nose is crooked. If we take them as they are and give an honest answer, they will accept us as we are.
Jesus made them especially welcome. If you have ever heard a child sing praises to the Lord, totally uninhibited, unself-conscious, unaware that they are being observed, you will see the beauty of the Lord in them. Genuine, free expression of who they really are.
No wonder Jesus says “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15 NIV).
If we want genuineness, without guile, let’s take notice of the children in our midst.
Love this!