"Converted"

How our attitudes prevent so much of our growth and understanding. In fact, our attitudes can deteriorate us spiritually and most aren't even aware. Our arrogance, pride, boastful stance along with a sharp and cutting tongue reveal so much about where we stand in our spiritual nature.

Jesus calls a child to Himself, not a little baby. A child. He sets this child before His disciples and spoke a major truth: "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:2-3) Converted as child. Converted! It carries the idea of turning. One must turn to the Lord. Without "turning" you will follow your same mind set. Children turn to listen and respond.

I was watching my granddaughter play her first softball game the other night (she is 7). She is a rather good athlete for her age. As I watched, I noticed something. There she was playing 3rd base, ready for anything hit her way. She had been instructed to stay down and prepared. She took the stance the whole inning. The next inning they put her in left center field. I realized there were no balls coming out that far to her but there she was, staying down prepared for anything coming her way. A ball was hit to the short stop and she ran over to back up her teammate never touching the ball but ready. Nothing was hit to her but the whole time ready with a delightful attitude. The final out was recorded and off the field she ran, jumping with delight, never part of any play. Pure delight and enjoyment.

My mind shifted to a member in Christ Jesus a few years back. The lady had worked hard at her high degree from college and I am always aware of the work someone puts in for such a degree. While working a job after retirement she told me, "I've never had to work such a low job before. This just isn't me!" People see things as beneath them. People with pride and arrogance stumble over themselves. The real danger, God isn't part of that and as a result, no spiritual growth. There is no conversion, no dependence on the Lord, no listening to His voice, no awareness of what you need to do for the sake of another. Just pure pride which elevates yourself, robs you of the Lord while the whole time you think you're doing well spiritually. God gives His grace to the humble and the humble serve with a good attitude, thrilled for the progress of the whole just knowing that being part of the whole is a blessing.