Is there an age limit for having child-like faith?

Matthew 18:3 "Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Now, this does not say 'unless you have child-like faith.' And to be honest, I am not sure where that phrase even came from. However, that is what I grew up being taught about that verse. Since the verse does not specify what component of a child we are to become like, it is safe to include having their faith in it.

What is child-like faith? My son is currently into the TV show Dinosaur Train and while watching it he believes that he is a dinosaur. Thanks to the show he knows that some dinosaurs eat meat; he believes so much that he is a dinosaur that he will try to bite the dog. Weird...I know. He will run around the house stomping and roaring with his arms up like a T-Rex. He believes he is a dinosaur and nothing I tell him will change his mind. He thinks, talks, and walks like a dinosaur. He is focused on the task of being a dinosaur and the best dinosaur there ever was. That is child-like faith. Not letting the impossible get in the way of what you believe or what you want to true.

A boy is dreaming of one day being a player in the NBA. What does he ask for Christmas or his birthday? A jersey, basketball shoes, a basketball. He will bounce that ball around all day. Jump and try to reach the door frame to see how high he can get. He watches the games and dreams big. He practices everyday and does not let anyone tell him he is not good enough. That is child-like faith. Knowing what you want and knowing you have to play the part to reach it. Knowing you can't just sit back and wait for the NBA to call you one day. You have to get up and work at it. Have proactive faith...Faith in action. If he didn't really think he would make the NBA, would he waste his childhood training for it?         "Faith without works is dead."James 2:17

Have you ever wanted to fly when you were a child? What did you do? If you were like me and my brother you tied a towel around your neck and jumped off of the couch. When it was unsuccessful you tried it again but this time had your brother help push you for an extra boost. When that didn't work maybe you went to higher ground or changed your method all together...hold onto a shopping bag or blanket, find some glitter that maybe, just maybe could be fairy dust, thought happy thoughts, taped cardboard to your arms. That is child-like faith. Even when what you are trying to accomplish is failing one method after another you keep trying and you have the same enthusiasm each time.

So how does this apply to your Christian walk? It's simple...you know those tasks that God assigns you to? Or maybe you have dreams that seem impossible? You are getting tired of praying for a family to come to know Christ year after year, you are going through a situation at work...the possibilities are endless. God wants you to have faith in Him, child-like faith that will never cease or grow weary, believe big in God and He will show you how big He is! We cannot wait for a trial or situation (good or bad) to prove to God we have faith in Him. Children don't! We need to live our lives walking in complete faith everyday!

The bible is full of stories showing such great measures of faith, and the lack of. My favorite story is Abraham and his son Isaac. Even as he was about to kill his son, he told him to now worry because God will provide. Abraham had proactive faith. He did not bring Isaac to the mountain and wait for God to provide. He knew what he had to do and that God would somehow provide. At the last minute God came through for him and provided a lamb. Jehovah Jirah!!!!! I cannot imagine the emotion going through Abraham's mind. God may not show up at the time that we would like. I am sure that Abraham would have liked God to provide before he bound up his son and was seconds away from sacrificing him... But God know exactly when to show up. Abraham had faith in God the whole time.

So is there an age limit to child-like faith? Anyone can have child-like faith. Will it be difficult? At times, yes.  But remember this....Living a life of faith in God is not always a comfortable lifestyle, but I can guarantee you it is a comforting lifestyle!

What are you going through in your life right now? Do you have faith in God to bring you through it? Let me know about your trials and we can pray together!


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."
Romans 12:1-2