I recently had occasion to be in a clinic where they teach special needs children basic tasks like—how to eat. There are fewer things that tear at my heart more than the suffering of an innocent child. Innocence is supposed to be a time of joy, laughter and big dreams, right? But for many sick children and their families, it is tears, sadness, and crushed dreams. For some, the biggest dream is to simply learn to chew food, swallow, or speak even one word clearly. For others, it’s breathing without a trachea tube. To many it seems as if their dreams must be selected from a very small box. Not many of the parents readily imagine the child who must be fed through a tube winning Olympic gold, becoming a multi-millionaire, or discovering the cure for cancer, right?
It is not the life they planned; but it is the path they are on.
But yet, despite the suffering, the purity of their innocence is not lost. Their smiles are pure. Their laughter is more beautiful than the most delightful music. Their eyes light up just to see one they love. The connection of their soul to God is not extinguished by their circumstances.
Ah, what a remarkable lesson!
We long for the purity of innocence—unsullied by the ravages of a fallen world. Perhaps we remember the idyllic childhood we had, or—the one we imagined we SHOULD have had. But there is marvelous hope! My friend, when we receive the gift of salvation, we have been declared innocent by our Savior to God the Father. Someday we will see ourselves as our Father does—delightfully innocent. Until that day, we may live with great hope which is undimmed by our circumstances. Jesus said:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
God has given us so many tools to walk through this fallen world in a way that is both wise and innocent.
Let me share just a couple God has taught me this year.
We may develop the BE-attitudes of Christ, and recapture some of the splendor of the innocence we lost in the Garden. Then our countenance in the sweet presence of God draws others into His Kingdom. Jesus commanded us to pray “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done; on earth as it is in Heaven,” He was giving us a command that is possible. Matthew 6:10 Furthermore, when we live in the fruit of God’s Spirit, we offer those who are battered and beaten down by the ravages of sin a picture of the sweetness of a relationship with God.
Ah friend, amidst the brokenness of this world, Jesus promises us miraculous hope.
But we must learn to come to Jesus in childlike faith. This childlike faith is powerful because it enables us to be made spiritually innocent through the gift of salvation. Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:14-15
The gift of innocence is a quality that must be protected in order to be manifested to others. We must guard our hearts and minds. We must become wise about what is good and shun the dark knowledge of what is evil.
“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:19-20
God wins in the end. In His power, we can win now.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Ah, this beautiful gift of innocence was purchased for us at a priceless cost to Jesus. When we are born again, we possess it; when we live in loving obedience to Christ, we wear it. When the refreshing gift of innocence is manifested in us, it glorifies God and the kingdom of heaven is brought to earth.
This, my friend, is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
2 Responses
Jesus is the reason for the season.
Amen sis!