On one occasion, Christ Jesus' disciples asked him, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" They wanted to find out, perhaps, who was the most favored, or spiritually advanced, in his eyes. Did they hope to hear a name or names they recognized? We don't really know, of course. But we have his reply: "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." Matt. 18:1-4.
Perhaps we, as well as the disciples, need an occasional reminder of what greatness "in the kingdom of heaven" is made of! Our expression of the childlike qualities of humility, trust, forgiveness, and joy is truly a sign that we understand the nature of God—infinite all-embracing Love—and that we are growing spiritually. If we do glimpse more of the infinite Father-Mother Love, we must correspondingly gain insight into our own true nature as the innocent and unspoiled children of God.
Jesus' answer to the disciples' question may imply that their "adult" competitiveness and concern for personal status were attitudes that couldn't enter the kingdom of heaven, or spiritual harmony. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "It would sometimes seem as if truth were rejected because meekness and spirituality are the conditions of its acceptance, while Christendom generally demands so much less." Science and Health, p. 343.
