When Jesus spoke about being childlike, He wasn’t referring to immaturity or childish behavior. Instead, He was highlighting the spiritual state of being humble, teachable, and genuinely open-hearted, much like a small child. Jesus emphasized this profoundly in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
In the following verse, Matthew 18:6, Jesus strongly warns against leading believers astray: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Here, the “little ones” represent not just physical children, but all children of God who approach Him with humility and openness. Interfering with someone’s spiritual growth—whether through jealousy, covetousness, or pride—is akin to coming between a child and God, a serious spiritual offense.
Spiritual Deposits: Daily Spiritual Banking
Imagine each day starting with a spiritual bank account balance of zero. Throughout the day, every action, thought, and intention represents either a spiritual deposit or withdrawal. Positive behaviors—kindness, generosity, humility, and selfless service—make deposits into your account, enriching your spiritual life. Conversely, negative behaviors like selfishness, dishonesty, pride, and jealousy create withdrawals, depleting your spiritual resources.
This daily spiritual account isn’t something we build up over time and then coast upon. Instead, every day brings a fresh opportunity and responsibility to make new deposits. Lamentations 3:22-23 reinforces this idea: “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” This daily reset encourages continual spiritual growth and reminds us to remain humble, continually aligning ourselves with God’s will.
The Danger of Spiritual Pride
A subtle yet destructive way many people unintentionally create withdrawals—not just in their account but others’—is through spiritual pride. This often manifests in religious or leadership circles, where individuals begin taking credit for spiritual growth or biblical insights. John 14:26 clearly teaches, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” It is God who enlightens and inspires; humans are merely vessels for His teachings. Taking personal credit for spiritual insights robs God of glory and misleads those we influence.
Moreover, Luke 6:24 warns, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” Seeking earthly praise and recognition for spiritual service jeopardizes our heavenly reward. Those who continually crave the spotlight, competing for attention and recognition, are not only spiritually impoverished but also risk hindering others’ spiritual growth.
Practical Examples of Spiritual Interference
Consider these common scenarios:
- Leadership Jealousy: A church leader or pastor might envy the growing influence of a subordinate and subtly undermine them, trying to retain attention and control. This act withdraws from both individuals’ spiritual accounts, causing division rather than fostering unity.
- Volunteer Recognition: When serving in volunteer roles, the aim should be God’s glory, not personal acclaim. Publicly boasting about your service diminishes the spiritual deposit made, as your reward becomes earthly applause rather than divine approval.
Protecting Spiritual Deposits
To maintain a healthy spiritual account, it’s essential to consistently practice self-reflection and humility:
- Recognize Your Source: Always acknowledge that any wisdom, strength, or insight you share originates from God, not yourself. Regularly redirect credit back to Him.
- Celebrate Others’ Success: Rather than feeling threatened by others’ spiritual growth, actively celebrate and encourage it. Doing so builds positive spiritual deposits for everyone involved.
- Daily Inventory: Reflect daily on your actions and intentions. Identify areas where you might have acted out of pride or jealousy and swiftly seek forgiveness and make amends.
Final Thoughts: Spiritual Stewardship
Your daily spiritual balance reflects your stewardship of God’s gifts and opportunities. Never underestimate your influence on others’ spiritual journeys. Always aim to build up rather than tear down, depositing kindness, humility, and encouragement wherever you go.
As children of God, our calling is clear: remain humble, open-hearted, and supportive, facilitating rather than hindering spiritual growth. Remember, coming between God and His child isn’t just a minor misstep—it’s spiritually devastating. Cultivate humility, guard against pride, and foster an environment where all children of God can flourish.
Written by Cole Attaway
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