DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LITTLE PEOPLE OR TOP DOG?

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – LITTLE PEOPLE OR TOP DOG?

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

The disciples were normal humans. No one wants to be on the bottom of the heap. We would rather be top-dog. The disciples thought in terms of status, power, and position. It seems self-serving to ask, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." But that was their mindset. They wanted to be "somebody" in the kingdom.

The central word in this section of Scripture is the word "little" as in little child, little children, little ones (vss. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14). The term, "little people," has been in the English vocabulary for many years. It sometimes means people small in stature. I worked with a lady one time who was short. She took great offense when someone called her a dwarf or midget. She let me know that they wanted to be called "little people."

But in common vernacular, "little people" often means people who are common, who have no claim to fame, wealth, position, or power. People in high positions in the political and social structure often look down on this kind of little people.

Jesus was adamant in the training of his the twelve. They were not to pursue position or power. They were to be like a little child – who had no status, fame, power, or wealth. Little children have no hidden agenda, nor desire to be top dog, of being acclaimed for their status. It took several teaching sessions to get this message across to them. Jesus said, "Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all" (Mark 10:44). A slave is not top dog.

We still have the same struggles today. There are people in the church who want position, power, and praise. Jesus says to them, become as a child. A proper view of ourselves will help. We are all sinners, whose only claim to fame is the grace of God's forgiveness.

Love, Dad