Daily Devotion

Saturday, March 17, 2026  

Today's Scripture
Matthew 18:3–4

Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Reflection

Many passages in the New Testament urge us to adopt the aspect of childhood. It sounds pretty tempting to return to childhood, a time before deadlines and pressures and heartbreak.

The word that stands out for me here, though, is more daunting. “Change.”

Could we really do it? Change who we are? Change how we navigate the world? Change our hesitant relationship to him?

Over the years, we have built the structures of our identity to survive the world. We have learned from setbacks, planned for problems, recovered from heartbreak, and shaped the face with which we face our trials. It hasn’t been easy. Surely the effort counts for something. Can’t Jesus see what we’ve been through?

Maybe we can change just a little to get into heaven. Maybe we only have to become somewhat lowly. (We’ve got our dignity, after all.) Jesus can relate to that, right?

Right?

Prayer

Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. I hold on tightly to my own accomplishments and loosely to your salvation. Forgive me, and strengthen my faith to trust in you. Make me like a child. Amen.

Written by Jim Garner, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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