“And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”

Luke 9:48 (KJV)

The disciples were arguing over which of them would be the greatest and Jesus told them ‘None of ya’ll. Nope, the kids will be the greatest because those considered least will be the greatest in Heaven” (I’m paraphrasing, of course). Gill’s Exposition of the entire Bible talks about how Jesus didn’t mean tiny Tim and the Rascals would rule Heaven, He said the greatest in Heaven are those with the characteristics of youth. These “children” need to be humble, meek, content, trusting unconditionally, and not caring for worldly honor. To fully accept the character of Christ, we must strive for the qualities of children.

John Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible says the Arabic version of the passage is translated as ” ‘one like to this child’; not in age, but in meekness and humility; one that is not proud and haughty, ambitious of worldly honour, and envious at the superior state of others: whoever receives such an one into his house and heart, and the Gospel he preaches,…”
Gill continues, “…behaves as such in his conduct, who is lowly and meek, and humble; and so the Ethiopic version, rather interpreting than translating, renders it, ‘for he that makes himself humble, who is lesser than all’; who considers himself as the least of the apostles, and unworthy to be one, as did the Apostle Paul:
the same shall be great; shall be highly honoured with gifts, and made greatly useful, as the above mentioned apostle was: a saying like this, the Jews haveF21;
‘every one, המקטין עצמו, ‘that makes himself little’, for the words of the law in this world, נעשה גדול, ‘shall be made great’ in the world to come;'”

John Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible

Did you catch that? Those who strive to be humble and content will be great in the world to come.

But how can I become all these things? First, let’s take a look at what “humility” means. Merriam-Webster defines the word “humble” as “not having or showing any feelings of superiority, self-assertiveness, or showiness.” Some of the synonyms include down-to-earth, lowly, meek, modest, unassuming, unpretentious.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (KJV).

2 Chronicles 7:14

To be humble means to submit to God your heart, to be open and vulnerable, to refrain from boasting, to give God all the glory. To say “yes, I struggle. But God is getting me through it. Yes, I fall short, but God gives me strength. Yes, I am thankful God has given me these gifts and talents to bring Him honor.”

What about contentedness?

Merriam-Webster describes it as “feeling that one’s needs or desires have been met.” Some of the synonyms include pleased, satisfied, happy, blissful, delighted, glad, joyful, joyous, jubilant, rejoicing. Antonyms include displeased, anguished, brokenhearted, depressed, discouraged, disheartened, downcast, unhappy.

Merriam-Webster

The Bible makes many calls to the unhappy and brokenhearted. One of which is my go-to verse when I feel depressed.

Psalm 43:5 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (KJV).

Psalm 43:5 KJV

Philippians 4:11-13 says, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (KJV)

Philippians 4:11-13 KJV

This is from Paul, the apostle who was imprisoned, beaten, lived as a nomad, beheaded. Yeah, that Paul. He said he was able to endure it all because God gave him strength. Do you know how we can tap into that God-strength? By spending time with God, by focusing on Him in every situation.

Today we have discussed a lot of information. God has told us to become humble and content like children. Humble by submitting to God and giving Him the glory. Content by focusing on Him and asking God to provide you with the strength required to be content in this competitive world. I wanted to share with you one more note on being content and being humble. Rejoice in God’s blessings and submit your plans to God and He will provide, bless, and make your ways prosperous.

My challenge to you today is to practice stopping and giving God a moment, praising Him for something you are grateful for, asking Him for strength to get through the day, and thanking Him for His promise never to leave you.