[Congregants] Children Live in the Present – (07.19.26 – Mt. 18)

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Dear St. Paul family,

 

Sermon - Children Live In The Present

Cornerstone -  The Science of Laughter and Emotional Wellness

 

This week’s gospel is from Mt. 18:1-9 where Jesus teaches us that to enter the kingdom of God, we need to be converted to children.

 

If you are driving a car and are constantly looking at your rearview mirror, you will crash. If you are looking far ahead for an extended period of time through the windshield, you will also crash.

 

God says, “I Am”, not “I was” or “I will be”.

 

In this gospel, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

 

Become like children and live in the present.

 

 

1)   Children Don’t Live in the Past

o   If a child scrapes their knee and then see an opportunity to play, they will forget about their knee and play. If they are fighting with each other, they will quickly forget about that and be friends again.

o   Children don’t keep a record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:5)

o   They do a better job of bearing with each other and forgiving each other (Col. 3:13)

o   The past has regrets, hurts, disappointments, and grudges.

o   Learn how to receive and give forgiveness, hold no grudges, and learn from past mistakes.

 

2)   Children Don’t Live in the Future

o   Children don’t worry about passing school or money or interest rates or wars.

o   The future brings fear and anxiety according to St. Basil.

o   Jesus said not to worry about the future.

o   Adults carry tomorrow with them, children receive today.

o   Instead, pray rather than worry, trust in God’s care, and focus on today’s responsibilities.

 

3)   Children Live in the Present

o   Again, when things go wrong, they don’t dwell on the past, but quickly notice things in the present.

o   Children stop and notice, while adults rush.

o   Instead, be fully present, pray throughout the day, notice God’s gifts, and do today’s obedience.

 

Yesterday is for Learning

Ø  Receive forgiveness.

Ø  Forgive others.

Ø  Learn the lesson.

Tomorrow is for Leaning

Ø  Trusting God’s Providence

Ø  Pray instead of worry

Today is for Living

Ø  Be fully present

Ø  Do today’s work

Ø  Be thankful for God’s gifts

 

Fr. James

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