As a Little Child

lds.org

While Christ was in Jerusalem, he once told the people “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Some of these other sheep were the Nephites and Lamanites in the Americas, as recorded in the book of Third Nephi of The Book of Mormon. While there he, among other things, taught and counseled. Even before he visited the people in person, his voice was heard testifying of the fulfillment of his earthly mission and issuing a call to repentance. During this time Christ stated:

“Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved” (3 Nephi 9:22).

Being some of his first counsel, it stands to reason Christ considers becoming like little children to be very important. In fact, the plea to become as little children is often repeated by Christ during his ministry in Jerusalem and the Americas. But what is it about being like little children that is so important?

First off, Christ asks us to be child-like, not childish. So if we were to strip children of the childish qualities that are simply the result of still developing minds, what are we left with? Curious, happy, loving, forgiving, and humble individuals. For example, how long does a child hold a grudge? How often does a child ask innumerable questions? How many children pick flowers for their parents, just hoping they’ll love them? Little children are humble and teachable. They want to please. They are innocent. Perhaps most important, they look to their parents, always.

We are children of a Heavenly Father who wants nothing more than to love and teach us. He wants us to turn to him in all things. To be compared to a little child is not an insult; it is a saving quality.