Receiving has never been a stretch for our kids. They’ve always been more than willing to eat our food, use our hot water, and spend our money. Content to dump dirty laundry downstairs, they know they’ll find it clean and folded when they return. Filling their gas tank can make their day and if we go to Sonic too, so much the better.

And we’re happy to do it. They’re our kids, and we love giving to them.

But receiving from my heavenly Father?

I’m better at giving.

In Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV), God calls for childlikeness:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

One aspect of childlikeness entails seeing God as our Daddy who provides for our every need. This summer, I had a sizeable one, and God clearly provided for it.

I just didn’t like how.

So I did it myself.

And He let me.

I hate that.

I knew I was dealing with pride issues. What I didn’t know was how much it hurt my Father’s heart to refuse His giving. Once He showed me, it was my turn to feel bad. How many times have I given something to my own children, only to have it set aside, ignored, or flat out rejected. Yuck.

Matthew 7:11 says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.”

So, here’s a question or two.

Are you humble enough to ask?

Are you willing to receive even if the means are not to your liking?

We’ve all been the toddler who says, “I want to do it myself.”

And God will let us.

But we lose when we don’t do it together.

With Him.

In humble acceptance and in trusting fellowship.

Questions:

What attitudes do children have toward their parents as providers?

How can you apply those to your relationship with God?

What is your need of the moment?

Is God your first or last resort?

Family Applications:

How is God like a parent?

How do we balance teaching the skills necessary for independence as adults while teaching a dependent attitude toward God?

Kids, do you doubt Mom or Dad’s ability to provide in a particular area?

Why? How about God’s ability to provide?

Tweetables:

Childlikeness means seeing God as our Daddy who provides for every need. Click To Tweet
When we refuse our Father's gifts, we hurt His heart. Click To Tweet
Are you willing to receive even if the means aren't to your liking? Click To Tweet