Children are quick to Believe

Thinking back to when I was very young, perhaps 3 or 4 years old, I was willing to believe the older neighbor boys who offered me candy. They were full of mischief and mean little critters.

“Close your eyes, and open your mouth and we will give you some candy,” they excitedly told me.

Naive and believing as I was, I did as I was told, and received a mouthful of dirt!

Sobbing loudly and calling out Mama, Mama, I ran for home and was soon cleaned up.

That incident did not cure me of trust, for I continued to believe what I was told by others, but as time went on, I also learned to study and seek out what is truth.

Jesus chose a mottled group for his 12 closest followers. Most were unlearned men.

Why would the Christ select such simple ignorant men of unrenowned fame?

Why would Jesus state that we must come to him as a little child?

A child will believe and accept as truth even before they see it.

Many argue that there are difficult truths in the Bible that are hard to accept, such as speaking in other tongues, and the spiritual gifts spoken of in God’s word.

If instead of squabbling and disputing God’s gifts, perhaps we should as little children, come and receive the MORE that God offers to us as believers.

“Ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you,” were the words of Jesus.

Yes, all believers have the Holy Spirit when they acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but the infilling of the Holy Spirit is a separate and distinct experience.

The most widely gift not accepted by the sophisticated and prideful, is the gift of tongues.

There are several excellent reasons to receive the gift of tongues.

First it is the initial evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit Baptism.

Second it a prayer language between you and God. You may not understand the language, but you will have a general idea what you are praying for. The wonderful thing is that other spiritual powers trying to hinder your prayers will not be able to interfere with your direct line to God.

Thirdly you yourself are edified and built up when you worship God while praying in other tongues.

Fourth this is a gift to be used when accepted by the church that may proceed a second gift called the gift of interpretation. These two gifts will bless and encourage believers.

Paul said, Do NOT forbid to speak in tongues, and then he said, “I speak in tongues more than you all.” He referred to his spiritual praying to God using his powerful gift.

This very gift enabled Paul to follow his course until the end.