Those with a humble childlike attitude are greatest

Jesus teaches that those with a humble childlike attitude are greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  We live in a culture that teaches competition and individuality as the desired way - where humbleness is reserved for those who have erred and need to grovel - for those who are in need or for those who want something.  But this is not the way in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a place where everything is turned upside down.  The greatest is not the most powerful nor the wealthiest nor the smartest.  Greatness starts in the heart... with a childlike humbleness.  This kind of humbleness is not a result of weakness.  It isn't self deprecation - it isn't rooted in insecurity - it doesn't come from realizing you are helpless.  Instead, picture a child hanging out with a parent who loves them unconditionally.  A child who is full of curiosity, excitement, and longing to be like the parent they idealize.  Visualize the child, whether at play or doing chores, soaking up their parent's wisdom and love - longing to be like them.   This kind of humbleness comes from knowing you are loved completely by a parent who is good and honorable and fun to be with it.  And in that security, the child is teachable.  God wants this kind of relationship with us where we bask in God's love for us.  Where we want to be in relationship with God because we want to learn God's ways and become like Jesus.  This is childlike humility.

If the disciples were to even enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they needed to change and become like humble children - safe and secure in the love God offers them - excited to soak it up and mimic it - offering it to others.  Entrance to the Kingdom - knowledge of the truth - being in relationship with God and others - comes when we let go of the earthly definition of greatness and become humble like children.

Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must become humble like children to enter his kingdom?  Or do we strive to become great, powerful, independent, and in charge?  Does the thought of giving up our power seem counter intuitive?