A drop of sweat maneuvers down my back steered by the curvature of the skeletal structure and destined for an encounter with African soil. The same soil, that in just a moments time, six mzungu (African term for white people) pilgrims harboring attitudes and selfish ambitions that render them incapable of understanding the magnitude of the moment, will encounter love as pure as the heavens. One foot in front of the other, I carefully choose my steps as we round a dusty corner flanked by an abandoned brick building; that is until my gaze is lifted upon a motion full field of grass and dirt. Hundreds of tiny African children dressed uniformly in green enjoying their final class period of the day, physical education. Carefree is the best description of these little ones behavior, and their movements could suggest to an onlooker some form of metaphysical communication with the natural world. Even in this state, white skin does not go unnoticed, as soon as their eyes catch a glimpse a stampede ensues. The green uniforms remind of me of an army of toy soldiers, only there is no fear or aggression in these eyes, simply unadulterated bliss. After an onslaught of hugs and smiles, we would go on to play simple games each resulting in a mzungu “doggy pile” at the end. Battling for position on a hand we walked with the “apples of God’s eye” back to the school for some departing songs and dance.
— This blog entails some of the things God spoke to me through this day.
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Mark 10: 13 – 16
The feebleness of a child allows them to love perfectly. As Christ following adults we equate our strength to humility, the recognition of who we are. The bible says the humble shall be exalted. Dependence upon God requires us to acknowledge our inadequacy and how undeserving we are of his love. In affect true humility and self recognition gives us a more accurate perspective of the grand scope of God. As great as it is that this truth has been disclosed to us and we are able to struggle with self righteousness entering in and out of states of humility, the beauty of a child is they don’t have to. A young child does not know who they are, and at the same time who they’re not. They’re ignorance and naiveté allow them to love as God does.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23: 12
— As child upon child scuffled for an opportunity to hold onto any part of my hand while we walked back to the school, I realized the beauty of their futility. A conservative estimate would be to say there was one child to each finger, and as they clung tightly, swaying from side to side, something came to my attention. Using all of their strength and body weight on the frailest pinky, these little ones could not hurt me if they wanted to. They relinquish all worry and live carefree because they are incapable and at the same time oblivious to it.
The simple fact that we are conscious of our depravity, which is a blessing because we would be deceived if not, makes it nearly impossible to love in the same way as a child. Maybe the bible speaks of receiving the kingdom of God in the same way as a child, because the child does not even realize the petty kingdom of men exists, he or she only knows what is natural, the guiding force of his or her heart. Receive the kingdom of God as if the kingdom of man is not an option. Set your face like flint, unwavering and steadfast.
“Therefore the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”
Isaiah 50: 7
God’s timing never ceases to amaze me. It always seems to be contrary to my expectation from rational reasoning. In the same way, I recognize this Godly trait in children. The times this year when I have not expected or wanted to interact in ministry, I have had moments like the one at this school. Children come hug me, maul my hair, hold my hands, or sit in my lap and though it couldn’t come at a worse time judging by my attitude, it is always perfect. It results in an encounter that brings an instant perspective change, because of such an earnest love, and we know earnest love covers a multitude of sins.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4: 8
Perhaps a child’s timing mirrors God’s, because they are in static less tune with their heart. Their decision making processes are yet to be corrupted by the world.
— A week prior to our visit with the children in the play fields, we visited them in the classroom setting. There was a day and night difference. The children in the classroom were dull and non interactive, as if the structure of school had ran away with their soul. Young ones in Africa love to dance and on the week we went into the classrooms not even an opportunity to dance with mzungu’s excited them. The next week in the freedom of the play fields we would witness the undefiled love of whom Jesus states, “Whomever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
“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. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me…”
Matthew 18: 2 – 5
The children we spent 2 hours with in the play fields of Iringa, Tanzania also mirror God in their outpouring of genuine, unearned, unadulterated, and unrequited love. They just wanted to be with us, to touch us, to hold our hands, and to play, yet we did nothing to deserve it. Now I know this display was in a way selective, because we have white skin and look different, but set this aside and think of the way they showed us love in comparison to the love we receive from our Father. Children resemble God in that they love you even when you do not deserve it. Without drawing this blog out much further we have much to learn from the children of the world, and I have not even mentioned child like faith or their trust in the father. I would encourage everyone to ask God to reveal to them the wisdom of a child.
