As I sit here messing with a sliver in my hand, I whine “it’s driving me craaazy!” My husband turns to me, raises his eyebrows and just says “I know.

Before he can – I finish his sentence, “because now I’m driving you craaazy!”

He smiles.

But, if I keep up with these exaggerated words and mutterings His smile will fade. I’ll plunge into the unflattering state of annoying.

If I were 5 though, this would be acceptable. You can get away with plenty as a kid that is frowned upon as an adult.

However, in God’s Kingdom, we’re to come to Him like little children. So that means we can act like His children in our …

Whining and complaining

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

At 5, you get to whine and complain. It’s a known fact that your self-control isn’t fully developed and that you have trouble with the idea of delayed gratification or understanding why some things simply stink and you have to live with them anyway.

Scripture gives us example after example of grown, faithful people whining and complaining to God. There’s Job, and David, and Naomi…

Biblically, the whining and complaining is more commonly referred to as “crying out to God.” Kids and adults alike get to participate, because before God no person has a fully developed sense of self-control, timing, or endurance when things don’t make sense.

Asking for help with the littlest things

“Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

3 year-olds need help tying their shoes, picking up toys, and using the toilet. Their every little task, even as they strive for independence, is dependent on the provision and guidance of someone wiser and more experienced.

To come to the Lord as little children, we’re to come dependent. We’re to approach Him knowing that He is our help, our maker, and the One who guides us to take care of us and keep our feet on the path of righteousness. To be fruitful and grow in His Spirit, we can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5.)

Saying “why” ten times over

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Anyone who has spent any time around children knows the horror of the question “why” – especially when repeated in sequence 70 times. It is through this and similar lines of questioning that children learn, though.

As adults, we grow in understanding when we question God about His world, His ways, and His Word. Our humble seeking keeps us from making dangerous assumptions or wandering astray. Through our “why, Lord?” moments we demonstrate childlike trust and faith because we assume that the Lord knows better than we do.

Needing to learn lessons over and over again

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

How many times have I told you….?” Jesus said. Or was that you to your kids 15 minutes ago?

Kids and adults alike have trouble learning even simple lessons. Unless we’re talking with God, though, we adults are expected to learn relatively quickly. It’s not cute when we have to be reminded for the tenth time to share.

Fortunately, God is ever-patient with us. He often has to teach us, re-teach us, and remind us of the same lessons and truths over and over again. Disciplining us like children when we disobey the truths that we’ve been taught is even a part of God bringing us to completion.

Imitating those we want to be like

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1

It’s not often that adults can be copycats without coming across as insecure. Imitating the Lord is more than acceptable, however- it’s encouraged. To be like Christ is to grow and mature spiritually, becoming more unified with the one who is perfect.

As children of God, we have the perfect example to imitate, follow, and emulate. Ultimately, we do want to be like Christ, and He wants to make us more like Himself. Imitating God doesn’t require insecurity, but a childlike faith that says “He is my example” and then follows, step by step, after Him.