Are We Still Following The “Toddler's Creed”?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesAs I was surfing the Internet this week, I came across an interesting site containing “The Toddler’s Creed”. The words of the creed state:
“If I want it, it’s mine.
If I give it to you and change my mind later, it’s mine.
If I can take it away from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it will never belong to anybody else, no matter what.
If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks just like mine, it is mine.“
Anyone who has a toddler or has ever known a toddler, knows the truth of the above creed. While we expect to see this trait in toddlers, we should show great disdain of the trait when we see it in adults. It’s called covetousness.
The apostle Paul wrestled with the sin of covetousness (Romans 7:7 NKJV). But after carefully studying the law of Moses, he recognized covetousness for what it is. Instead of remaining a coveting, grasping man, he became a truly generous person (cf. Acts 20:33-35 NKJV).
What we give, based upon our ability to give (cf. Acts 11:29 NKJV), is the acid test of whether or not we are still spiritual toddlers. Are we allowing the our Lord to create in us a giving heart, or are we still following the “Toddler’s Creed”?