The vast wisdom of God in all His institutions is unmistakable. His designs are without flaw, and excel in functionality. He accomplishes things which exceed our own ability, and are consistently too wonderful to comprehend. From “the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7) and His own breath He set in motion the elements of human life which boasted success in filling the earth. And so His purpose was not withheld from Him as His exquisite design of the marriage relationship flourished.

With all the facets in the creation scene God was well pleased. Continuous satisfaction flowed from His eyes into His mind as He “saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Yet, upon one thing His sight rested which fomented discontentment. The summit of His creation was without physical companionship. He molded man in His own image, unlike anything created prior. Set apart from the creative norm thus far, God “breathed into his nostrils” (Genesis 2:7). That image which He so lovingly shared with man was no mere reflection of physical light, for “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). Rather, to man He granted the ability to love, to hate, to reason, and to choose. Yet, for man there was not one “comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). Adam stood upon the face of the earth completely peculiar to all other forms of physical creation.

Then, influenced by Divine anesthetic, Adam slept. And as he peacefully slumbered, God took of Adam’s own body to “make a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). With creative genius, “the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man” (Genesis 2:22). Once bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh, was now a separate person. Yet, that intimate union, as woman was “taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:23), was meant by God to be rejoined in the closest physical relationship known to man – marriage. Thus, “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). And in this closest of relations man would thrive as he would “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, resulting from this superb blessing of the marriage design by God would come another blessing.

The institution of marriage is a life-giving one. That resulting life – a precious vessel which brings immeasurable joy to all who surround it. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Yes, happiness overflows the lives of those blessed by little ones. An experience only made possible by our loving God. And still God continues to impress with His purposes behind such a masterpiece. For it is not simply seeing, kissing, and caressing the soft, round face which blesses our lives, but also the lessons we can learn from that new life.

For nine months that beautiful life enjoyed comfort in the mother’s womb. And upon entering a new environment, comfort remains a result of being brought into her embrace. For that babe is completely dependent. It cannot defend itself, supply for itself proper nutrients necessary for growth, clothe itself, find shelter by itself, nor perform any other action to get by. Without care-giving parents the baby is helpless.

And as the little child grows, the dependency continues, naturally resulting in a humble disposition. The child is literally incapable of looking down on another, so it looks up in need. Not once does that child suppose living separate from mother or father is a viable option. Not once does it think itself capable of self-sufficiency. A child does not think highly of self, but recognizes its humble position of dependency.

And so, in response to a foolish quarrel among His disciples about who would be greatest in the kingdom, the Lord uttered powerful words – “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4). So when our adversary lays before us the false notion that we are greater than others, let us remember that of such is not the kingdom of heaven. For that kingdom is erected for those poor in spirit, who mourn and are meek, and hunger and thirst for that which they cannot provide for themselves, but find only in sweet communion with their Creator. Let us all remember to become Like a Little Child, and remain that way to the end.