[ArGee]

For we here recognize that the directive is that we must accept The Kingdom in childLIKE — not childISH — fashion, which ability has no discord with growing up to maturity.

Absolutely, but I notice that people who "grow up" often lose the child-like nature just because they're trying not to be childish.

I want to be one who enters the kingdom like a little child and who leads many of "them." (Mat 18:3, Isa 11:6)

But thanks for keeping me honest.

[HKMk23]

I notice that people who "grow up" often lose the child-like nature just because they're trying not to be childish.

That's true, and it's tragic, and — in using the children as His example — Jesus makes clear his intent that we grow up to real maturity, but not become so full of ourselves, or so serious that we lose the wide-eyed wonder, and the open-hearted, ready-to-believe acceptance of His Kingdom that children have.