15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive[a] the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 After taking them in his arms, he laid his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:15-16 CSB)
What does it mean to you to have an unencumbered faith?
Consider that for just a moment. We are given a recipe for how to have faith like this and it is to have childlike faith. Not childish faith, childlike. There is a distinct difference.
When we come to faith it is often childlike. We come with open arms hoping to be lifted up and held. We, at that time, are also immature and need scriptural milk so that we can grow into a mature faith. But our faith, even when mature should remain childlike for it to be unencumbered.
To have this balance of mature but childlike faith we must understand God’s position as father deeply. We must still come to God like a child coming to a parent. Seeking Him, desiring His approval, and reaching out to be held when we are in times of great need. But too, we need to have a childlike trust in Him, knowing that He is a loving Father who will never let us down. Our maturity does not negate this childlike need. No, in fact, it enhances it.
Unencumbered faith is a faith that is open to the Father’s leading and to the Spirit’s guidance. Accepting of the Son as our savior and ever growing. Knowing that no matter how mature we may be, we are still childlike in our need for our Father. Thus, when we approach faith in this way we become unencumbered in our approach and our willingness to continue growing.
