As a Little Child

“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

I have always thought this command to His disciples applied to a certain age group, but now I see it in a broader perspective.  In order to come to Christ, everyone, no matter what age, must be born again and become as a little child.  He also clearly states that it is His doctrine that all should become as little children.  In fact, one of the requirements for entrance into the Kingdom of God, or kinship with God, is to spiritually become as a little child.  When Jesus visited the people of the New World after His resurrection, he repeated himself several times in declaring the requirements for receiving an inheritance in the Kingdom of God.

“And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.
And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.”
3 Nephi 11:37-38

The progression happens in the order that we see in the physical world.  We are born, and then we are little children, and we grow up through time and instruction from those around us who have already been though childhood.  They teach us to walk, talk, and grow up in every way.  They guide us along the path by both word and example.  We follow those around us, imitating what we see, assuming that adults know, and we don’t so we do what they do.

Repentance and baptism are things that we can do, but becoming as a little child is “becoming,” or changing, being different than we are.  These changes are not easy.  Prophets have used the same terminology.  King Benjamin actually explained what it means to “become as a little child:”

“...and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”
Mosiah 3:19

I like to see this in a list form:
...and becometh as a child, 

• Submissive- Instead of fighting against authority, children submit themselves to obey and learn from parents, teachers, and other leaders.
• Meek - Not using power for personal gain.
• Humble - Children recognize that they have no power.  Understanding our place, without delusions of grandeur.
•  Patient - Waiting, always waiting, without instant gratification, children are always being told to wait for dinner, birthdays, treats, or anything they want.
•  Full of love - Innocence of heart allows children to “love like you’ve never been hurt.”
• willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Alma also uses this terminology in teaching how to repent.  He was probably familiar with the words of King Benjamin, and added some of his own:

“But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;  Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.”
Alma 13:28-29

Submission to all authority is the hallmark of little children.  A contrite spirit is a spirit of submission.  Patience and long-suffering are part of that.  To be lead by the Holy Spirit comes through constant prayer.  The analogy is beautiful!  I see little children with a will of their own, but being at all times in submission to all of the adults around them.  I see little children understanding that they don’t know what things mean, always asking for clarification, definitions, or understanding.  I see the curious child continually learning, seeking knowledge, and growing in every way.

Since I was recently born again, I am a little child, spiritually.  Becoming, spiritually, as a little child is as simple as a change in attitude.  The way is clear, and because I have a lot of experience with children, I know what to do:

• Pray always - being a child, I will only grow up if I’m around adults.  Spiritually being with my Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Prophets means I would pray continually, read Scripture, and look to them in every thought.
• Submit to all authority, not just God, but also governments and all those God has placed over us.  I will obey every word of command with exactness.
• Wait patiently with faith that God can and will give me all I need to grow up and be spiritually mature.  I have to put in the time, receiving “line upon line, precept on precept, here a little, and there a little.”

I will be as a little child and follow those who have become spiritually mature, imitating what they have done.  I will especially take Jesus Christ as the perfect example, the way He lived in submission to His Father, so He will be my Father.  I will put my full faith and trust in Him, believing that He will help me grow up and become spiritually mature -- like Him.  This is how I can become as a little child to God, or how I can have Him as my Father.  ...and this is exactly what I’m going to do.