Definitions are shared for “childlike faith” along with more on the priesthood of kings. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Mark” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since October 17, 2012) posted the following:
What does childlike faith mean?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Priesthood of Kings (10/17/2012)—There are many powerful lessons and warnings established through the record of priesthood by kings. Just as the Tabernacle and Temple were to be after the pattern of things in heaven, monarchy for the covenant people was to be a visible copy upon the earth of invisible things from the heaven. During all the time the ark was separated from the Tabernacle, the people gradually lost knowledge of the law, and its provisions. Thus, for example, observance of the Passover and the divinely commanded assemblies of the heirs and heads of households that were firstborn was reinstated under Josiah, a descendant of David, who, in addition to purging the nation of idolatrous worship, instructed the people directly by reading to them from the book of the covenant (1st Kings 22 and 23, KJV). The holy writings present the lists of kings for both Judah (the Southern Kingdom) and Israel (Samaria, the Northern Kingdom), and by contrast offer no list of High Priests. Spiritual leadership by the kings resulted in such extremes as worship of the golden calf in Dan and Bethel, inclusion of idols within the Temple at Jerusalem, and the use of gold and silver from the Temple to hire mercenaries or pay tribute to foreign kings. While all the kings were anointed to serve as the embodiment of the nation and its people, and many were outstanding as sinners, the kings were not consecrated to be the bearers of sin as the High Priests were, or to be those who would make atonement before GOD, entering into and cleansing the Most Holy Place within the Temple. As a visible display of the divine person, the king/high priest furthers understanding that GOD is able to come forth among mankind incarnate. In Scripture, the unified rule over heaven and earth that is invested within both Father and Son (two kings at once) is only depicted for mankind upon the earth through the simultaneous reign of David and Solomon (see 1st Kings 1 and 2, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (Matthew 18: 1-7, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012); For The Young (01/24/2011); Responsibility? (01/25/2011); Doing Nothing? (01/04/2011); “As If” (01/05/2011)
My complete response to your question shares a definition of “childlike” as well as a definition of “faith.” The first term focuses upon the tone and quality of behavior and conduct characterizing minor children. A child is held to be immature, simple, and underdeveloped. In general, children are understood as open to new challenges, experiences, and ideas that are outside of their usual routine. Because they lack bias, fear, prejudice, and long-practiced patterns of adult logic and reason, children are seen as flexible, fresh, meek, and more spiritually alive than many adults. Far different from “childish”, meaning foolish, silly and wasteful, “childlike” is used to say, obedient, receptive, respectful, and trusting.
“Faith” is a spirit content of divine person, and is therefore inseparable from holiness, humility, joy, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin. In efforts to understand the fullness of divinity, mankind speaks of faith in many ways. However, rightly understood, faith pertains to sacred being and existence, not simply to human attitudes, behavior and character. Spiritual maturity for believers in Jesus Christ is characterized as one having faith, and is seen as childlike, because there is usually continual growth in understanding. Correctly understood, however, the many necessary changes in behavior and conduct result from changes in spirit content, not changes of intellectual and mental content.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, Christian belief requires a “new” way of thinking that will permit the awkward pairing of ideas after the flesh (e.g., appetite, behavior, desire, thought) with elements that are not carnal, material, physical and social, and that exist totally as spirit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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