As Little Children

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04000640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Church of God, In Truth</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of God, In Truth"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> back to<B>  </B><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Edification Articles"><B>Edification Articles</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="man_made_traditions.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Man Made Traditions">Man Made Traditions</A></div> <div> <A HREF="safety_in_numbers.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Safety In Numbers?">Safety In Numbers?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="will_everyone_be_saved.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Will Everyone be Saved?">Will Everyone be Saved?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="am_i_a_good_stewart.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Am I A Good Stewart?">Am I A Good Stewart?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="_leviathan_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="LEVIATHAN">LEVIATHAN</A></div> <div> <A HREF="kind_after_its_kind.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Kind after its Kind!">Kind after its Kind!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="rebellion.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rebellion">Rebellion</A></div> <div> <A HREF="wave_sheaf.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wave Sheaf">Wave Sheaf</A></div> <div> <A HREF="pentecost___a_glorious_visio.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pentecost A Glorious Vision of Hope">Pentecost - A Glorious Vision of Hope</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_is_a_generation.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is a Generation?">What is a Generation?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="prophecy_and_mysteries.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Prophecy and Mysteries">Prophecy and Mysteries</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_almost_forgotten_feasts_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Almost Forgotten Feasts of God">The Almost Forgotten Feasts of God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="power_to_transform.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Power to Transform">Power to Transform</A></div> <div> <A HREF="does_everyone_understand.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Does Everyone Understand">Does Everyone Understand</A></div> <div> <A HREF="five_steps_to_salvation.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Five Steps to Salvation">Five Steps to Salvation</A></div> <div> <A HREF="who_does_the_fig_tree_repres.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who Does the Fig Tree Represent">Who Does the Fig Tree Represent</A></div> <div> <A HREF="inherit_responsibility.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Inherit Responsibility">Inherit Responsibility</A></div> <div> <A HREF="letter_to_newly_baptized_mem.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Letter to Newly baptized members">Letter to Newly baptized members</A></div> <div> <A HREF="get_wisdom___get_understandi.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Get WisdomGet Understanding!">Get Wisdom---Get Understanding!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="learn_to_obey.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Learn to Obey">Learn to Obey</A></div> <div> <A HREF="a_voice_message.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Voice Message">A Voice Message</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_anger_of_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Anger of God">The Anger of God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="earth_our_inheritance.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Earth Our Inheritance">Earth Our Inheritance</A></div> <div> <A HREF="salt.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Salt">Salt</A></div> <div> <A HREF="prepare_ye_the_way_of_the_lo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Prepare ye the way of the Lord">Prepare ye the way of the Lord</A></div> <div> <A HREF="learn_to_be_humble.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Learn to be Humble">Learn to be Humble</A></div> <div> <A HREF="fishers_hunters_watchmen.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fishers, Hunters, Watchmen">Fishers, Hunters, Watchmen</A></div> <div> <A HREF="inexcusable_excuses.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Inexcusable Excuses">Inexcusable Excuses</A></div> <div> <A HREF="it_did_not_happen_that_way.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="It Did Not Happen That Way">It Did Not Happen That Way</A></div> <div> <A HREF="ultimate_supreme_sacrifice.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ultimate Supreme Sacrifice">Ultimate Supreme Sacrifice</A></div> <div> <A HREF="living_stones.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Living Stones">Living Stones</A></div> <div> <A HREF="word_study.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Word Study">Word Study</A></div> <div> <A HREF="are_you_a_castaway.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are you a Castaway?">Are you a Castaway?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="a_brief_lesson_in_nutrition.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Brief Lesson in Nutrition">A Brief Lesson in Nutrition</A></div> <div> <A HREF="born_to_rule.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Born to Rule">Born to Rule</A></div> <div> <A HREF="while_men_slept.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="While Men Slept">While Men Slept</A></div> <div> <A HREF="do_people_have_an_inmortal_s.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Do people have an inmortal soul?">Do people have an inmortal soul?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="blue_laws.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Blue Laws">Blue Laws</A></div> <div> <A HREF="believing_a_lie.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Believing a Lie">Believing a Lie</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_a_powerful_statement.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What a Powerful Statement">What a Powerful Statement</A></div> <div> <A HREF="cheating_christ_and_god_out_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cheating Christ">Cheating Christ</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="modern_day_israel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Modern day Israel">Modern day Israel</A></div> <div> <A HREF="am_i_going_to_heaven.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Am I going to Heaven?">Am I going to Heaven?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="why_does_the_earth_have_a_mo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why does the Earth have a Moon?">Why does the Earth have a Moon?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="connecting_the_dots.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Connecting the Dots!">Connecting the Dots!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="yielding.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Yielding">Yielding</A></div> <div> <A HREF="marriage_and_wedding_supper_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Marriage and Wedding supper of the Lamb">Marriage and Wedding supper of the Lamb</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_great_controversy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Great Controversy">The Great Controversy</A></div> <div> <A HREF="last_days_events.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Last Days Events">Last Days Events</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="worlds_way_or_mans_way.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Worlds Way or Mans Way">World's Way or Man's Way</A></div> <div> <A HREF="freemasonrythe_invisible_emp.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Freemasonry...the Invisible Empire">Freemasonry...the Invisible Empire</A></div> <div> <A HREF="who_is_on_authority.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who is on Authority?">Who is on Authority?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="first_fruits_of_barley.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="First Fruits of Barley">First Fruits of Barley</A></div> <div> <A HREF="timeless_truth.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Timeless Truth">Timeless Truth</A></div> <div> <A HREF="how_do_sheep_differ_from_goa.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How Do Sheep Differ From Goats?">How Do Sheep Differ From Goats?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="deceived.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Deceived">Deceived</A></div> <div> <A HREF="do_business_till_i_come.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Do Business till I come!">Do Business till I come!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="new_beginning.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="New Beginning">New Beginning</A></div> <div> <A HREF="ultimate_liberty.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ultimate Liberty">Ultimate Liberty</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="the_cave_of_adullam.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Cave of Adullam">The Cave of Adullam</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_do_you_think_impresses_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What do you think impresses God the most">What do you think impresses God the most?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_is_truth.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Truth?">What is Truth?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="life_in_kenya.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life in Kenya">Life in Kenya</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_assurance_of_salvation_t.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The assurance of salvation through faith">The assurance of salvation through faith</A></div> <div> <A HREF="person_of_interest.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Person of interest">Person of interest</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_christians_need_to_know.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Christians Need To Know About Islam">What Christians Need To Know About Islam!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="you_reap_what_you_sow.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="You reap what you sow">You reap what you sow</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="be_still___.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Be still . . .">Be still . . .</A></div> <div> <A HREF="how_short_is_life.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How short is life?">How short is life?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="sharing_gods_word.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sharing Gods Word">Sharing God's Word</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="nimrod_resurrected.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nimrod Resurrected">Nimrod Resurrected</A></div> <div> <A HREF="have_you_wondered_why.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Have you wondered why?">Have you wondered why?</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="the_readers_corner_mayjune_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Readers Corner: May/June 2009">The Reader's Corner: May/June 2009</A></div> <div> <A HREF="declaring_the_end_from_the_b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Declaring the end from the beginning">Declaring the end from the beginning</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_renewing_of_our_mind.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Renewing of our mind">The Renewing of our mind</A></div> <div> <A HREF="sacrificed_for_our_sins.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sacrificed for Our Sins">Sacrificed for Our Sins</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_readerss_corner_marchapr.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Readerss Corner: March/April">The Readers's Corner: March/April</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_redeeming_blood.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Redeeming Blood">The Redeeming Blood</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="tempted_in_all_points.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tempted in all points">Tempted in all points</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="passover_attitude.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Passover Attitude">Passover Attitude</A></div> <div> <A HREF="readers_corner_whats_is_in_a.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Readers Corner: Whats is in a name like ">Readers Corner: What's is in a name like Israel</A></div> <div> <A HREF="life_comes_from.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life comes from?">Life comes from?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="commitment.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Commitment">Commitment</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_purpose_of_the_bible.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Purpose of the Bible">The Purpose of the Bible</A></div> <div> <A HREF="doing_the_will_of_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Doing the Will of God">Doing the Will of God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="spiritual_encouragement.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spiritual Encouragement">Spiritual Encouragement</A></div> <div> <A HREF="faith_and_patience.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Faith and Patience">Faith and Patience</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_gifts_of_the_maji_and_ou.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Gifts of the Maji and our Destiny">The Gifts of the Maji and our Destiny</A></div> <div> <A HREF="solomons_wisdom.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="A Balanced Outlook on Live!">A Balanced Outlook on Live!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_is_truth1ce.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is Truth?">What is Truth?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="satans_snare.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Satans Snares">Satan's Snares</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="are_you_ready_for_the_return.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Are you ready for the return of Christ?">Are you ready for the return of Christ?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="readers_corner___september_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Readers Corner September 2008">Readers Corner - September 2008</A></div> <div> <A HREF="the_ultimate_plan.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Ultimate Plan">The Ultimate Plan</A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="called_to_be_a_kingdom_of_pr.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Called to be a Kingdom of Priests">Called to be a Kingdom of Priests</A></div> <div> <A HREF="readers_corner_july_20008.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Readers Corner July 20008">Readers Corner July 20008</A></div> <div> <A HREF="knowing_god.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Knowing God">Knowing God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="living_without_gods_word.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Living without Gods Word">Living without God's Word</A></div> <div> <A HREF="trauma_in_america.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trauma in America">Trauma in America</A></div> <div> <A HREF="proverbs_31_wife___an_exampl.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Proverbs 31 Wife An Example for the Chu">Proverbs 31 Wife - An Example for the Church of God!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="cremation.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cremation">Cremation</A></div> <div> <A HREF="change.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Change">Change</A></div> <div> <A HREF="only_one_mark_of_the_beast.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Only One, Mark of the Beast?">Only One, Mark of the Beast?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="how_should_pentecost_be_coun.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How should Pentecost be counted?">How should Pentecost be counted?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="gods_planned_parameters.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Planned Parameters">God's Planned Parameters</A></div> <div> <A HREF="human_nature.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Human Nature">Human Nature</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id434.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christian Burnout">Christian Burnout</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id433.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What I am living for">What I am living for</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id432.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jesus Christ The Passover The Wavesheaf">Jesus Christ; The Passover -- The Wavesheaf -- The Firstfruit!!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id431.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Beyond the veil">Beyond the veil</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id429.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All Because of Us">All Because of Us</A></div> <div> <B>As Little Children</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id427.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Something to think about">Something to think about</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id423.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="OBSERVE GODS FEAST FOREVER">OBSERVE GOD'S FEAST FOREVER</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id420.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Human nature">Human nature</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id419.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Thanksgiving, blessings of gratitude">Thanksgiving, blessings of gratitude</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id418.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who has the authority?">Who has the authority?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id415.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods will">God's will</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id414.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Really good news!">Really good news!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id413.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="It wont be long now!">It won't be long now!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id412.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jerusalem Our City of the Future">Jerusalem - Our City of the Future</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id411.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Listen to God">Listen to God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id407.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Identifying the Holy Spirit">Identifying the Holy Spirit</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id406.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The book that hold the desteny of men!">The book that hold the desteny of men!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id405.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Which Will You Be Chosen?">From Which Will You Be Chosen?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id403.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Always be Ready!">Always be Ready!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id401.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Without vision">Without vision</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id400.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Yielding fruit after its kind!">Yielding fruit after its kind!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id397.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Two groups of Jews">Two groups of Jews</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id396.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Almost Forgotten Day ">God's Almost Forgotten Day </A></div> <div> <A HREF="id395.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The New Moon, The Passover and Our Calli">The New Moon, The Passover and Our Calling</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id394.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Keep the Right Day for Passover">Keep the Right Day for Passover</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id393.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Pain of Change">The Pain of Change</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id392.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Man Who crucified Christ!">The Man Who crucified Christ!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id390.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Two Churches of Revelation 12">Two Churches of Revelation 12</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id389.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Heart Knower">The Heart - Knower</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id388.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All things work together for good!">All things work together for good!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id387.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Understand Gods Healing Plan">Understand God's Healing Plan</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id386.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Feed Gods Household">Feed God's Household</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id382.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Religion could not save us">Religion could not save us</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id381.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Know Thyself">Know Thyself</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id380.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fear Factor">Fear Factor</A></div> <div> <A HREF="accountability2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ACCOUNTABILITY2">ACCOUNTABILITY2</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id374.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why they will fight">Why they will fight</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id373.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Most High rules in the Kingdom of Ma">The Most High rules in the Kingdom of Man</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id372.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sharing Gods Word">Sharing God's Word</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id371.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="More reasons to rejoice at the Feast!">More reasons to rejoice at the Feast!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id370.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why do We attend the Feast of Tabernacle">Why do We attend the Feast of Tabernacles</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id366.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Living in a world without the Bible ">Living in a world without the Bible </A></div> <div> <A HREF="id365.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="When all else failsPress On">When all else fails-Press On</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id364.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Come out of Babylon and be not partakers">Come out of Babylon and be not partakers of her sin</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id363.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All other ground is sinking sand">All other ground is sinking sand</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id362.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Riddle of Leviathan?">Riddle of Leviathan?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id360.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christs Message In The Parable Of Lazaru">Christ's Message In The Parable Of Lazarus And The Rich Man</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id359.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Keep Gods Sabbath Holy">Keep God's Sabbath Holy</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id358.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jesus Christ, The PassoverThe WavesheafT">Jesus Christ, The Passover---The Wavesheaf--The Firstfruit</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id357.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wave sheaf">Wave sheaf</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id356.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Let no man take your crown">Let no man take your crown</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id355.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods three appointed harvests">God's three appointed harvests</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id343.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Modern day Israel">Modern day Israel</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id339.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Planting of America">The Planting of America</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id342.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Where is God?">Where is God?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id344.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The power of words">The power of words</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id340.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Promises of the fifth commandment">Promises of the fifth commandment</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id341.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Out of Egypt I called my son">Out of Egypt I called my son</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=". . . and my People love to have it so!">. . . and my People love to have it so!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id347.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Betrayal of Christ">The Betrayal of Christ</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id348.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purpose of Gods Law!">Purpose of God's Law!</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id349.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The evils of sin">The evils of sin</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id350.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="He who overcomes">He who overcomes</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id351.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sharing Gods word">Sharing God's word</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id352.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Out of Egypt I called my son">Out of Egypt I called my son</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id318.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="GODS HOLY DAY OFFERINGS">GOD'S HOLY DAY OFFERINGS</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id320.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Time to count">Time to count</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id323.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trumpet of God">Trumpet of God</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id324.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="To forgive is divine">To forgive is divine</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id325.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Overcoming bad habits">Overcoming bad habits</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id328.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Little Fock">Little Fock</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id329.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Government in Gods Church">Government in God's Church</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id330.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="HWA Radio Transcript 1979">HWA Radio Transcript 1979</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id333.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Is God speaking to us?">Is God speaking to us?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id334.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Do you believe God?">Do you believe God?</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id335.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Warnings and Exhortation">Warnings and Exhortation</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id336.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Righteous Judgment">Righteous Judgment</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id337.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The physical and spiritual blessings of ">The physical and spiritual blessings of submission</A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> EVEN AS LITTLE CHILDREN</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>                                               </div> <div> <B>“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself  as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” </B>(Matt 18:4).</div> <bR> <div> <B>“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” </B>(1Cor 14:20).</div> <bR> <div>                                                                                     </div> <div> “<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >E</FONT>xcept you ... become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3).  This stern warning from Christ is repeated in Luke 18:17 and Mark 10:15.  Just what is Christ telling us in these verses?  Is not our goal to become mature?  Or, does God want His Kingdom to be governed by a bunch of children? </div> <div>      Continue in Matthew 18 for the obvious answer, verse 4: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  No, God wants us to become humble as little children, not childish in our understanding or actions (1 Cor. 14:20).  Neither is God talking about a fake, outward form of self-denial or penance.  True humility must be lived  - genuine,  not put on - as the pious image displayed by the Pharisees of Christ's day and that is so often seen in clerics today, with their folded hands and soft tone (Matt. 23:2-12).</div> <div>      True humility is lived every day through service to others, thankfulness, faith toward God and many, many other areas.  Every day, we must examine ourselves to see how far we have come in trying to live like Christ.  "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister" (Matt. 20:28).  Do we live our lives expecting to be served, and trying to get others to serve us, or are we trying to see how often we can serve others?  </div> <div>      This attitude of humility and service is brought to the forefront every year by the foot washing ceremony of the Passover service; however, it must be put into practice throughout the year - every day of our lives!  Christ, while living on this earth, was an example for each of us to try to emulate (1 Pet. 2:21).  How well are we doing with this great task? </div> <div>      We can serve in many different ways and in many different places.  We often hear of helping widows, the elderly or little children; but we have many opportunities to serve that are perhaps not quite as obvious.  For example, jumping in and helping someone get a job done at our place of employment - even if you're not getting paid for it or it doesn't fit your "job description," is a good way to serve.  We have a constant need for men to volunteer to give opening and closing prayers on the Sabbath, not to mention the need for additional speakers.  What about serving others through your prayers on their behalf: for those in need or who need God's intervention for healing?  The list is endless; but the point is, service is a WAY OF LIFE and is perhaps one of the purest forms of humility. It must grow IN us and become second nature to us.  Certainly, the Bible makes it clear that God hates vanity and a proud look - just read through the Proverbs.  Besides fasting, I doubt anything breaks our vanity and draws us closer to God than serving others.  Also, remember to serve others how you are needed, not how you want to!  If you only serve when or how you want, then you're not really being a true servant. </div> <div>      Mr. Armstrong, was able to simplify this whole subject down to its basic core: God's way versus Satan's, or the world's way; give versus get.  The "give way" and the "get way" is really what it all boils down to when it comes to humility and becoming as a little child. </div> <div>      Something that goes hand in hand with humility and becoming as a little child is thankfulness.  How thankful are you to be where you are: to be associated with the Church of God, In Truth, to know about the postponements with God's calendar, and to be receiving God's precious truth week after week?  </div> <div>      How humbled are you by that fact?  It is so easy to take things for granted physically, much less spiritually.  As I brought up in a recent sermon, one of the greatest sins in America and in the  Church today, is unthankfulness!  We should certainly thank God for all our physical blessings, but how much more should we thank God for our spiritual blessings - for our calling as firstfruits?      Remember to humble yourself and thank God for His precious truth.  No one, except Jesus Christ, has had as much given to them as you and I - right now! Isn't that HUMBLING!?</div> <div>      The Bible tells us to exalt others higher than ourselves (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11).  However, what is commonly done, is to exalt ourselves while pinpointing the sins of others.  This doesn't mean we should go around as naive fools, looking through rose-colored glasses, but we should be giving God the credit for any good in our lives.  Even Christ said, "Why call you me good? There is none good but one, that is, God" (Matt. 19: 17).  We are commanded to exalt others higher than ourselves, to be humble and thankful, and not gossip about our brethren or judge them (Matt. 7:1).  Remember, "And above all things have FERVENT charity [love] among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8).  We must be sure to look at our brothers and sisters from "their eyes" so to speak and not judge them, but strive to help them. </div> <div>      When you see a brother's sin, remember that with a different childhood, different parents, or a different environment, you too, could be struggling with the same sin and perhaps not even doing as good a job at overcoming as he is!  Go to God's word for guidance in dealing with each other, and remember to take a good look at yourself before you get too involved in looking at others (Matt. 7:1-5).</div> <div>      We are God's children, and being full of faith before God our Father, is pleasing to Him.  God tells us plainly what He expects of us: “He has showed you , O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).  Being humble as a little child requires total faith and trust in God as our Heavenly Father.     </div> <div>      I'm sure God has great joy when He sees His children getting along as they should.  However, just as we have to correct our children from time to time, so too must God correct us for not treating our brothers and sisters properly.  God requires that we love our brethren, not gossip about them or judge them, but help and strengthen each other all we can.  "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Having true, outflowing concern for others is what Christ is talking about.  We must learn this lesson now, because soon we will be spending all eternity together in God's Kingdom. </div> <div>      Perhaps the final block to understanding humility is repentance.  Only when a person is really humble, can they truly repent before God.  Have you ever seen an arrogant or rebellious child really be sorry for something he or she did wrong?  On the other hand, there is nothing sweeter than a child's face when they realize a mistake they've made and respond to a parent's correction with a humble and repentant attitude.  We too must respond humbly to God's correction.  Our eternal future is being shaped by how childlike we are toward God's correction.  When we ask for mercy and tell God how sorry we are and truly repent, our loving Father can't forgive enough or show enough mercy.  But this can only come after humility is established first.  No wonder God called David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).  David meant it when he repented and God was eager to forgive, just as He is for you and me. </div> <div>      Yet, it is so easy to grow out of that childlike attitude into a wrong attitude of rebellion.  Brethren, we must guard against this!  We have been given a tremendous amount of knowledge - that we are accountable for.   As we grow spiritually, we can't become as a teenager and bring rebellion, resentment toward God's government, and  distrust between brethren into the Church.  We are to become fully matured and guard against feelings of superiority and being big in our own eyes.  Remember, what we are doing is actually being done by God, through us - by His great power, not ours (Zech. 4:6)! </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>      So as we draw closer to the return of Jesus Christ, let's not be immature babies, unable to come off of the mother's milk.  Neither can we be proud, rebellious teenagers; rather, let's be mature, obedient, thankful and very humble children of God! <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="WP IconicSymbolsA" >7</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >                                               </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Pete Fleming</div> </td> </tr></table></body>