Become Like Children

posted on October 09

Become Like Children

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”  Matthew 18:3-5

Being a District Superintendent is the “same” as being a pastor, but in other ways it is “different.” People often ask me, “What do you miss most about the local church?” Over these past sixteen months, I have discovered the answer to that question. I miss the children. I miss leading the children’s message, teaching Bible School, and sitting at tables together on Wednesday nights. I miss infant baptisms. I miss Scout troops. I miss the low bookcases of my office perpetually filled with cars, tractors, dolls, and games.  I miss their artwork on my office door.
 
In my new world, no one brings children to the District Office. (Yes, this is an invitation! Bring your children by to see us!) I do enjoy seeing them in worship at your churches on Sundays, and I hope you know what treasures you have in your midst.  Jesus knew they were treasures too, and that behaving like them is not only a kingdom aspiration; it is a kingdom mandate. He said if we didn’t change and become like children, we would NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. He didn’t use the word “never” often; so I think he was quite serious about this. As for me, my Christian joy is never greater than when I am laughing like a child, joyful and smiling, trusting and hopeful.
 
Over the past few weeks we have been doing some modest updates to our district office, to make it more comfortable for you to visit for consultations and meetings. We have decided to feature a simple digital picture frame, and in it we would like to put pictures of you – as you looked as a child. It doesn’t matter your age at the time – anything from infancy to your teenage years. We’d love to feature YOU. You as a child, a child of God. I believe that seeing childhood pictures of our clergy and lay leaders will help us all to better view each other the way God views us. Please send your pictures, along with your name and your church name, to Maria King at aking@wnccumc.org. A picture of a picture is fine, as is a scanned image. We can’t wait to see you.
 
Blessings,
 
Bev Coppley and Your District Staff